The Grey Eagle
Another one from the fishing box of classics. This is probably my favorite variation of a Grey Eagle as it’s dead simple, has nice colors and is one of the oldest variations of the pattern. The fly is from the Fishing Gazzette 1884, 23rd of February issue.
I’d usually add a counterrib or tie the flat rib over the hackle as a counterrib to protect the hackle stem but on this fly I wanted to follow the pattern closely. Also use Turkey marabou instead of Eagle as it’s protected pretty much everywhere. The thicker the fibers the better and the best feathers are found near the tail of the bird for this purpose. If you don’t have access to them there are couple stores specialized in classics that offer Eagle substitute which is exactly those marabou feathers usually with a nice tip-dye like in the ones I’ve used.
If you are interested in more variations of these flies check out Colin Innes’s site Feathers Flies and Phantoms. It’s a great source and has some beautiful vintage examples of many patterns.
WM – 23rd Feb, 1884, “The Dee Aberdeenshire Flies (2nd Article)”, Fishing Gazette.
Tag: Silver tinsel.
Tail: Golden pheasant rump feather.
Body: Black mohair well picked out.
Ribbing: Broad silver tinsel.
Hackle: Grey eagle.
Shoulder: Teal.
Wing: Mottled turkey wing, brownish tinge.
Head: Black.
On the article the Grey Eagle is noted to be best suited for the cloudy evening sky on the Aberdeenshire Dee.
