I was planning on putting up the Sol Duc Spey and the Sol Duc dark. I am getting them ready to mount in a shadow box.
Johnsons speys are lovely when tied by him, but I've not been happy with my own duplication of his efforts. Some of his flies are in Sheweys new book and they are dynomite, but I noticed Sheweys versions of Walt’s flys paled in comparison. And Shewey is a very good tyer! I think a lot of it has to do with material selection.
#4 12-3-03 12:10am
Unregistered
I've had a hard time finding the brown phase ringneck pheasant feather which Johnson uses to tie the Deep Purple Spey and Red Shrimp. I find myself using GP pheasant instead.
I am assuming the brown phase feathers are located just next to the tail feathers on the rump. They are a smooth medium brown color and make for nice spey feathers if taken off the right bird. There are not very many of these on a pheasant. Your best chance of getting a good supply is from wild birds. The best come from very large birds. If you buy a tail or a saddle patch, they split them up right at the point that these feathers emerge, so you rarely get a good batch from the fly shop.
I had a very nice supply from a bird a friend of mine shot, but I somehow lost it in a move. Still mourning its loss.
The G.P. probably gives those flys a nice look. I look forward to the posting.
