The Silver Popham tied at size 1/0. I took a couple of liberties on this one including tying in the teal higher up since I think it looks better. I used salvaged Indian Crow from some old flies and a vintage hook. #ziafly #classicsalmonflies
The Dude abides. I don’t know about you but I take comfort in that. It’s good knowin’ he’s out there. The Dude. Takin’ ‘er easy for all us sinners. “The Dude” tied at size 8. #ziafly #riogrande #flyfishnm
The Dude abides. I don’t know about you but I take comfort in that. It’s good knowin’ he’s out there. The Dude. Takin’ ‘er easy for all us sinners. “The Dude” tied in size 8. #ziafly #riogrande #conejos #flyfishnm
Designed to be nasty and heavy, the Nihilist will seek out the predatory instincts of that huge brown that broke you off last year. Introducing “The Nihilist” tied in size 2. #ziafly #streamerjunkies #flyfishnm #riogrande
The Dude. Tied in size 10. This fly is meant to catch fish in late June till mid July. You could be the person on the other end of the line if you book soon! ZiaFly.com
The John Ferguson tied at size 1/0 on a vintage hook. I probably should have preened the fly a bit before taking a photo, but I figure it’s got more character without sprucing it up. #ziafly #nmtrue #classicsalmonflies
The Artful Dodger tied in size 1/0. This fly pattern appears in “Jones’ Guide to Norway” written by Frederic Tolfrey, published in 1848. #ziafly #classicflytying #nmtrue
The Jock Scott tied in size 4/0 on a vintage hook. First fly in over a month. I have no idea why I would try and tackle this beast without practice. Perhaps it is practice and I’ll have to tie another to correct my mistakes on this one. If you’re going to the Denver Fly Fishing Show this weekend I’ll see you there! Onward!
#ziafly #seaholmautomatic #sightlineprovisions #classicsalmonflies @seaholmautomatic @sightlineprovisions
Before leaving taos to head up north to see my brother, I threw a bunch of tying materials in my bag. Here’s the fly I came up with. It’s my own unspecified pattern tied on a size 2 hook. #ziafly
Framed set on its way to Midland, TX. The Baron, Excelsior, Glaslyn, and the Black & Gold look great together. #ziafly #classicsalmonflies #54deanstreet
Fall fishing on the Rio Grande today with my VK Shop 13 reel. This fine reel mixes perfect balance and elegance with “Mad Max” style. @vksteelworks #ziafly #sageflyfish
Starting a new fly here in Rockport, TX. Every fly must begin with a good foundation. I see our raw land as a good hook. I’m here to get some early stages started on our place, and to someday make it into something functional. Just like with this fly, everything will fall into place in stages. You gotta start somewhere. #ziafly #seaholmautomatic
In a few days we will be in the warm saltwater environment, surrounded by jumping finger mullet. This rubber Lego mullet is the closest thing to finger mullet here at home.
I’ve guided these guys for 17 years. They’ve fished all over the world. I’m so happy to wind up my 20th year of guiding with a couple of days with great anglers.
Insane couple of days with these fine folks. It was their 50th wedding anniversary and I really wanted to deliver the biggest fish I could find. #ziafly
I bought this cuff from my good friend Edgar Diaz at the Fly fishing show in Denver about 8 or 9 years ago. It’s been worn during many adventures, fishing, hiking, births of kiddos, guiding, skiing, mechanical work and lots in between. It’s time to send it back to my friend for refurbishment. #ziafly #sightlineprovisions
This coin was given to me by a great friend. It’s special to me and I’ve kept it with me through several adventures. My son asked me if I would give it to him. “Of course I will.” I’m just not done carrying it yet. I’ve got many more rivers to cross and many more people to meet. Ivo told me “but I’ve got adventures too.” When the time is right, I’ll give him my coin. #ziafly #nopreynopay #legacy
The “Hope” tied at size 2/0. I saw this one in the Hardy book listed under “unknown flies”, and the name was possibly called the Hope. I felt inspired to tie this one. #ziafly #classicflytying #flytying #hechoenamerica
The General tied at size 6/0. The name most likely came from the braided metal tinsel from a general’s military coat that’s used in the body of this fly. #ziafly #classicflytying #flytying #hechoenamerica
Another batch of hook wire barbed and prepped for point filling and bending. Hook making season is upon us. #ziafly #classicsalmonflytying #hookmaking #hechoenamerica
Recently I acquired a nice lot of vintage salmon flies. Most of the hooks are absolutely gorgeous. About half the flies are worth saving as vintage examples while the others will be stripped to salvage and reuse the hooks. #ziafly
The Baden Powell set is complete and ready to frame. Included are the 5 patterns that he had listed in Forest and Stream magazine in the early 1900’s. Baden-Powell claimed that these 5 patterns were the only flies that a salmon angler would need. The flies included are the Black List, the Red Marine, the Blue Jacket, the Quarantine and the Blue Marine. This has been an enjoyable set to tie and I look forward to seeing them together in one frame. If you are interested in purchasing the framed set, please feel free to send me a message for pricing. #ziafly #badenpowell