Troutnut.com Fly Fishing for Trout Home
User Password
or register.
Scientific name search:

> > School Art Project



Post Reply
FisherOfMenMarch 24th, 2012, 8:28 pm
NY

Posts: 115		Hey guys, I'm homeschooled and my mom assigned this project:

I have to present 1/2 dozen+ framed flies as an art project for this homeschool talent show.

First, I'm not really comfortable with my tying yet, so I don't want to show off anything already, but its a requirement,so...

I need some advice! -What species are easy to imitate? I need labeled pictures of what species the fly is imitating as well, I can probably get those right here on troutnut!

Also, what flies do you think will look "cool" to the average passer-by? I can tie some effective patterns, but would rather tie some "pretty" patterns for this "show-and-tell" ordeal. I got a book from the library and I'm going to work on extended hair bodies for some good looking mayflies.
"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught." -Author Unknown

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke
TroutnutMarch 24th, 2012, 9:15 pm
Administrator
Bellevue, WA

Posts: 2737		I think you're on the right track with extended mayfly bodies. Those always have an elegant look. Maybe try some cut wings on them, too.

Classic salmon flies are always eye-catchers, but they can be tricky to tie and require materials you wouldn't have at a beginner's tying bench.

Cased caddisflies could be good to imitate, too. And beetles are pretty easy. Trying for realistic antennae, legs, and tails might be good for artistic purposes, although they're not always so important to the fish. You might also consider printing out small photos (you can use the ones from this site if you like) of the bugs your flies imitate, and showing the real thing next to the imitation. I think that would make it more impressive to anyone viewing it who doesn't know what the real insects look like in the first place.
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
FisherOfMenMarch 24th, 2012, 10:15 pm
NY

Posts: 115		Thanks Jason-

I just finished an Adams-ish dry with an extended body. It looks alright I guess, but the extended body is a little sloppy from uneven thread wrapping. Practice should take care of that, I thought it was pretty good for a first!

I think I have a plan now - I've printed out life cycle diagrams for mayflies and caddisflies, and I'm going to tie one fly for every life cycle of both.


What is cut-wing?
"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught." -Author Unknown

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke
TroutnutMarch 26th, 2012, 3:29 am
Administrator
Bellevue, WA

Posts: 2737		Here's an example: http://www.flytyingworld.com/component/content/article/34-flies/591-CutWingQuillBody.html
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
EntomanMarch 26th, 2012, 1:09 pm
Northern CA & ID

Posts: 2604		Nick -

Since it is an art/talent competition that I assume will be judged by non-fishers, I would advise a little less emphasis on the science and a little more on the visuals. Perhaps some larger flies with more color? Streamers perhaps? I think Jason was on the right track with the Salmonfly idea. You could tie them simplified. Go buy a pack of size 4 or larger salmon hooks (they are up-eyed and black finished) and have fun whipping a bunch up, all with squirrel tail wings. Just vary the hackle/tail/floss body with different bright colors. You don't need to add fur thoraxes, tags, and such - just simple tinsel ribs on a floss body. You could also tie some with white or black bucktail if you want to vary the wings too.

Purple Peril (var.) #1/0



Material list:

Hook - TMC 7999
Thread- black 6/0 Uni
Tag - silver flat tinsel
Tail - purple pheasant tippet
Rib - small silver oval tinsel
Body - purple floss
Thorax - violet seal fur
Hackle - folded purple hen
Wing - Grizzly (Red or Fox squirrel opt.)
"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman

Quick Reply

You have to be logged in to post on the forum. It's this easy:
Username:          Email:

Password:    Confirm Password:

I am at least 13 years old and agree to the rules.

Related Discussions

TitleRepliesLast Reply
Re: "Cats can't Swim"
In the Photography Board by Wbranch		3Jan 30, 2012
by Oldredbarn
Re: Purple Patriot
In Fly Tying by Brian314		3Apr 25, 2020
by Brian314
Re: Ramapo River, NJ
In Fishing Reports by Adirman		5Jun 22, 2022
by Adirman
Re: Magpie herl
In Fly Tying by Iasgair		11Jan 28, 2019
by Iasgair
Extended body stuff
In Fly Tying by Roguerat		0
Re: old pic, new to the game
In the Identify This! Board by Mahones41		7Dec 3, 2011
by Taxon
Re: Bored
(3 more)

In the Identify This! Board by Crepuscular		6Feb 28, 2012
by Crepuscular
Re: What Flies should I use?
In General Discussion by Adirman		3Apr 6, 2021
by Wbranch
Re: Anyone else find these to be important?
In the Giant Water Bug Species Belostoma flumineum by Troutnut		2Oct 9, 2006
by GONZO
South Platte
In Fishing Reports by Sundula		0