Sunday 13 February 2022

Wickhams Fancy (Variants)

The Wickhams Fancy is a fly that I've strangely neglected using at Hillend for a good number of years. I used to do quite well with it at Sedge time in June.
Thinking back I probably first became aware of this old traditional fly when I first learned and started flyfishing at our Airdrie & District Angling Club water in the early 90's.
Back then I certainly didn't tie my own flies and definitely had less flies to chose from! 
The pattern was probably recommended and given to me  by one of the old timers at Hillend such as Johnny Weir!
Recently a variation of this fly caught my attention on Davie McPhail's YouTube chanel and brought back good memories of using the original dressing in my formative flyfishing years.
The creator of the Wickhams is credited to Dr TC Wickham of Winchester and was first devised as a general versatile pattern in the 1880 's to be fished wet or dry on Loch, Lake or river!
As the new trout season is fast approaching and my time at the vice is getting more frequent I thought I would tie a few Wickams up for when the time comes.
Pictured here are are a couple of variations using fire orange uni thread, one with a butt and one without and of course I will be adding a few standard versions to my box too!



The Sharp & Gentles Way.

I've recently been attending the Sharp & Gentles Flytying Club and thoroughly enjoy my visits there. Im already benefitting and le...