Long-winged flies

[toucan]

There has been some mention on these boards of long-winged flies like the Sunray Shadow and Collie Dog.

I am interested to know how others fish these flies, and how they choose between different patterns. For example, how do you choose between a collie dog, a tadpole or a sunray shadow?

I have had success fishing tadpoles and collie dogs on sunk lines. I have also caught fish on collie dogs fished fast right on the surface and even dibbled in a stream on a short line. I have tried Ransome's Elver fly on a few occasions but in general it has provoked less interest than a six-inch Collie.

Finally, it would seem to me that response to "extreme" presentations like the waking collie decrease as one travels further south, do others share this experience? Any successes in Wales or Devon?

I remain fascinated by any technique that provokes a surface take from the salmon, it certainly adds to the excitement of the sport.

Any experiences to share?

Mark

[rennie]

Mark thrashed a collie dog about on the Dee a good few times and it always provokes a response.The tadpole I consider a sunk line fly with a greater body length whereas the collie dog I consider fishes best with a short (1inch plastic )body and much longer wing length up to 7inches,I also like to cut the plastic tube so it has a lip on top (like a diving plug but upside down),this helps to keep the fly right on top of the water and makes a bit of a commotion too.I fish it on a full floater and short strong cast and cast it slightly upstream of square,then immediately swing the rod downstream putting in a downstream belly if possible ,tucking the rod under my arm and then pulling back the line hand over hand as quick as I can,if you don't actually land a fish or get a pull you will see fish follow/splash at/lunge at your fly.To date would agree with you it works better the higher north you fish and the colder the water (spring better than autumn),also found in more aggressive/turbulent water you will have to make a greater impact with your fly for it to be noticed.Tried a collie I had fished on the Dee on a Tay pool got two offers but thought the fly should be dressed heavier,I didn't think it was seen enough (enough fish were present).I tie collie dogs simply enough:1inch plastic tube with a lip cut on top,3 or .4 inches black buck tail and several inches of black goat tail on top.In heavy water maybe a muddler head might help too?.TO date I am happy to fish a long winged collie dog right on surface waking if possible and tadpole or long post winged tubes on a sunk line,not actually tried a sun ray yet but the Dee might get a thrashing with one in two weeks.Cheers Pedro.

[williegunn]

At this time of year I fish 6" Sunrays on a sinking shooting head.

[tyneandrew]

Confused - thought SR's and CD's were for use in low desperate conditions, yet people are using them a first choice?

[williegunn]

Andrew not a first choice or last resort just a different tactic

[kirkaig]

I'd had the impression that Sunrays were only really productive cast square and stripped, which in the main I suppose they are. But fishing the Dee last week we fished them (and the very similar Tadpole) in the conventional style with some success, so I'm beginning to think that this type of fly - with a long hair wing - is simply an effective pattern, and perhaps a little unfairly maligned.

K

[toucan]

I'd certainly view this as a minor tactic, but it has saved the day for me on occasions. I am reluctant to use it to excess although it can become addictive - if only for its ability to show that there really are fish in the pool.

Neil Graesser wrote that after moving a fish with a CD you had a good chance of getting it on a conventional fly. I have also seen the opposite view expressed: that the CD will put all the fish off the take. Any views?

The shooting head or short-head system makes sense since after stripping the fly back one is left with a lot of line at one's feet. Long belly lines are not designed for this job.

Willie, when do you switch to a floating line for the Sunray? And do you change the size?

Mark