A transformation

[Steelie-Stalker]

Today marks an official turning point.

Having gladly taken these out of my fly box

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac25/Steelie-Stalker/Flytying008.jpg



for these

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac25/Steelie-Stalker/Flytying007.jpg


p.s. I tied the bottom ones, any feedback or pointers? These are my first besides a few elk hair caddises, and also you may notice some material substitutions, because i dont have everything need.

-Ryder

[Don Powell]

Hey Ryder,

I like all the flies...

In my own personal transformation going back 15 years, I caught my first steelhead on an egg sucking leech exactly like what you have tied on the swing in the Rogue River.
I was momentarily caught up in the indi phase using nymphs and glo-bug style flies next on the Trinity, Feather, Yuba, Mokelumne and Rogue.
Next I fished the quartering down wet fly swing in New Brunswick for Atlantic salmon and thought that was as good as it gets until I started playing with spey rods and swinging.
Now, I get the most satisfaction out of swinging flies on spey gear but still indicate when rivers and conditions dictate that is my best shot at hooking up...
2009: 14 steelhead on the spey swing up to 15.5 lbs; 2 indicator "steelhead" measuring < 22" on indi stuff.
You are evolving and definitely headed in the right direction for a lifetime of enjoyment in fly fishing!

You are decades ahead of this old man and I am very proud to acknowledge your interest and enthusiasm- keep it up!