Spey Fly Patterns
Spey flies originated on the River Spey and the River Dee in northeastern Scotland in the 1850’s a story steeped in angling lore and tradition. These sleek and elegant flies are almost always tied on long shank Dee style Salmon hooks.
The Spey style pattern is easily identified by their low riding wings, long flowing hackles, a sparsely dressed body and a small neat head. The thin dressings and low set wings were designed to aid in sinking the fly in the fast waters of the River Spey.
Spey flies have an avid following of loyal anglers who tie and fish them with a special passion and a will to carry on the tradition.
Alaskabou (Showgirl-Pink/Purple Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC7999, Thread- Fluorescent Fire Orange 6/0, Wing- Pink and bright purple marabou with pearl Flashabou and pearl Krystal Flash sparsely intermixed.
Marabou Spey (Orange Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC7999, Thread Tip- Gold floss one -third shank length, Ribbing- Medium oval gold tinsel running entire length of body, Body- Upper two-thirds bright orange floss, Wing- Orange marabou, Head- Fluorescent Fire Orange 6/0 thread.
Ostrich Spey (Orange Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC7999, Thread- Fluorescent Fire Orange 6/0, Body- Orange floss wound on upper two-thirds of shank, Ribbing- Flat silver tinsel running entire length of body, Wing- Long orange marabou collar tied back, Hackle- Orange guinea wrapped as sparse collar tied back, Head- Fluorescent Fire Orange 6/0 thread.
Joe's Prawn (Orange Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC7999, Thread- Burnt Orange 3/0, Tag- Flat gold tinsel, Tail- Orange dyed bucktail over orange Krystal Flash, Tail Hackle- Red/Brown golden pheasant, Body- Orange Angora goat and orange Flashabou dubbing mixed 50/50, Eyes- Burnt black mono, Mid Hackle- Red/Brown golden pheasant, Front Hackle- Red/Brown golden pheasant, Topping-Red/Brown golden pheasant neck feather, Head- Lacquered burnt orange 3/0 thread.