Rocke’s Grub
I haven’t seen anyone tie up this pattern even though it’s one of the featured patterns in both Kelson’s The Salmon Fly and in his Land & Water plates. Maybe it’s because of the unusual wash-leather in the body. Kelson also refers to two variations that use dyed silkworm gut in yellow and orange for the body. Might give those a shot one day too.
Grubs in general are pretty underrated these days. They’re easy to tie and seem to fish well so I don’t see any reason why they should vanish into the history. Well maybe if you’re planning on fishing this particular grub substitute the indian crow feather for something more readily available.
I tied this in hand at a gathering of friends and one of them brought some wash-leather for us to use. It was a bit thick and I had to try cutting it slimmer which made for a not as smooth body. Lately when tying nymphs for trout fishing I came familiar with Ultrasuede Skin Strips from Hareline which seems to be the same stuff but much thinner and comes in a variety of colors. I’m planning on trying it on other flies as well as it gives a unique texture to the fly and nice natural look.
Tag: Oval gold
Tail: Indian crow
Butt: Black Ostrich herl
Body: Wash-leather
Hackle: Partridge
