Monday, April 7, 2014

Fly Fishing "Damsels"

Thought I would give some time with this post to "Fly Fishing Damsels".

Ok, not this Damsel (although this is The River Damsel, Emily Blankenship)!  She is often who I think of when the words Fly Fishing Damsel are mouthed.  BTW, drop on over and give Emily a pat on the back.  She has taken up fly tying this winter and is doing well enough to have bagged some good trout with her patterns since she started.  I would have expected no less!

But, in the case of this post, what I want to talk about when speaking of fly fishing Damsels is that ever popular sleek swimming, rhythmic, Damsel fly nymph.
Being an avid stillwater fly fisherman for many years has given me plenty of opportunity to see the Damsel fly nymph up close and personal.  I have many great memories of sitting in my float tube during the damsel fly nymphs migration near the surface working their way to shore.  These nymphs, once they make it to shore, climb on vegetation or whatever is available where they go through the beautiful phase of migrating from the nymph to the adult winged Damsel fly.  Many, many beautiful trout have been hooked fishing these Damsel fly nymphs on intermediate or slow sinking fly lines from some of the best trout lakes in the western United States.  Simply put, I love fishing and tying Damsel Fly nymphs!

Recently, I tossed my name in the hat you might say, for a selection of Damsel fly nymphs to be given away over on Facebook from the Dragonfly Angler.  Well, I happened to win the contest and in a few days had a substantial supply of well tied Damsel fly nymphs via John Wood.  Now, John ties some great looking flies.  I would like to share some of John's flies in picture form here on my blog.  John also has his own blog and a website, too!  Please take the time to check out all of his fine work.  He not only ties flies, but, makes some of the most beautiful custom landing nets I have ever seen, among other tidbits on his site.  Keep up the great work, John.   Anyway, here are some pictures of the new Damsel fly booty I now have in my boxes ready for this years Damsel fly nymph migrations.
Bright Eyed Damsel in (4) different colors

Twisted Damsel in (4) different colors

Standard (No Eyes) Damsel Fly Nymph

Yup, John's "Booby" Damsel Fly Nymph

Now, John knew that I have a passion for fly fishing warm waters species.  We talked a little bit prior to him shipping me the Damsel fly nymphs.  Well, what a surprise! When the package came in the mail, along with all the Damsel fly nymphs, John had included some great looking Bass streamers that just plain look exciting to toss for the brutes in the ponds and lakes I fish.  
 Rightfully so, these streamers are called Emotion Detectors!
Look out, big boys I am coming.

Thanks, again, to John Wood of Dragonfly Angler.  Can't wait to start getting these guys on the business end of some fish this summer!

26 comments:

  1. Geez you really got hooked up. Congrats!

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    1. Thanks, Kevin. Yes, I did get hooked up by John. Always a nice surprise to see what comes in the mail from friends in the fly fishing scene.

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  2. I agree with Kevin, great looking flies!

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    1. They really are and I am not sure I will have to bother to tie any Damsel Fly nymphs this season. John got me covered. Really excited to see fish activity on the Emotion Detectors also. Appreciate the visit and comment, as always.

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  3. Great looking flies Mel, I hope you have ample opportunity to try them out.

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    1. Bill, absolutely no reason I can think of that this group of flies won't see a bunch of water this season. Thanks for the comment. Come on fishies!

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  4. I didn't know there were other Damsel's besides Emily. Wow, a learning Tuesday.

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    1. Thanks for the grin this morning, Mark. Let's just say there is the one and only "River Damsel" and then all of the rest of those things we knot on the end of our fly lines. I am wondering if 7 1/2 pounds of trout would like Damsel Fly nymphs!

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    2. And, Old Farts, too, with nothing better to do than dream about the "River Damsel"!

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  5. Quite an assortment of nice flies. I want to see some bass you catch with those streamers.

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    1. Thanks for the visit and comment, Jay. You can bet you will be one of the first to know once the Emotion Detectors and ol' Bucketmouth become acquainted. Fingers crossed...........................................

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  6. Fantastic looking flies... especially the Bass streamers!

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    1. Thanks, Juan. Or, should I say Juan thanks John for this great selection. I am really looking forward to swimming some of those big streamers for Bass in Northern Colorado. Will keep you up to date.

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  7. Mel, thanks for the glowing comments!! I do hope you get a chance to toss some of the flies soon.

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    1. Absolutely, my pleasure, John. You deserve all the recognition you can garner. Maybe current weather trends will bring warmer water and less windy weather. I am very excited to fish the Damsel Fly Nymphs for Bluegill and Bass. I expect to see a few bigger Bass chasing the Emotion Detector also. Thanks for sending along the "Boogie Bug" also.

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  8. That's funny... I don't remember this picture. I guess that one brown looks like the next. = ) Wow... I didn't know that there were so many different damsels out there in fly land. Just glad that there isn't a bright-eyed, twisted, booby damsel all in one! Haha.

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    1. RD, for those that fish most of the time that may be true, but for those of us who are thankful for each day, seeing a nice Brown Trout like that makes our day! Damsel fly nymphs are very popular, particularly in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Everybody seems to have their favorite pattern. Between John Wood or I, chances are pretty good, we may send you along a Bright Eyed, Twisted, Booby Damsel just for your fly box only!

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  9. Those all look really great and fishy. I'd keep a few on the tying desk as samples for future use when you tie. Congrats and happy fishing when you use them.

    When do the ponds your way thaw out? Here in Michigan most lakes still have ice. Some of the smaller lakes and ponds have finally opened up.

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    1. Hi, Dave. Thanks for the visit and comment. I certainly plan on setting one of each type aside for future samples when I need to replenish, or if need be, I order some more from John Wood. That is a very good point to make. The fish can't have them all! Here in Northern Colorado we have had such yo-yo weather that one is left guessing when the waters are open. Most are ice free on the Front Range and open, but, the weather has been so inconsistent that getting on the water on a decent day without being wind blown across the county or froze in place is a minor miracle.

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  10. Mel
    I am looking forward to a report on these awesome looking flies. Thanks for sharing

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    1. You got it, Bill, as soon as I can give them a fair chance I will let you and all the others know. Have you fished Damsel fly nymphs much for those bigger Bluegill in your area?

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  11. John is a really class guy and good businessman. If I couldn't win I'm glad you did. That's quite a collection.

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    1. I agree with you, Howard. John has been more than kind to me and my efforts with this blog. His Facebook friendship has given me even more opportunity to know about his fly fishing business endeavors, His flies are superbly tied, his nets are things of beauty, and he comes across as one heck of a nice guy. You and I will have enough Damsels to get through the season for sure!

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  12. Mel
    No but these are on my list of flies to give a try in the coming weeks.

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    1. Thanks, Bill, Olive colored Damsel fly nymphs are very productive. If your waters have Damsel fly nymphs, fishing them can be very good fishing during the early summer season. I am thinking end of May through out June and early July.

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