Salmon Flies
Shown above and detailed below is a six pack of salmon flies one can use on the LaHave. While I'm definitely not an expert on Atlantic Salmon, I have enjoyed a little success and I have always made a point to approach other anglers about some of their favorite patterns. Now I'm sure all you salmon anglers out there must be smiling at the thought that I really believe that I got anyone to tell me their favorite pattern. I'm sure I did not get anyone's killer but the flies that I list below were mentioned to me by most anglers and some of my lucky ones as well. Where the opportunity presented itself to eavesdrop, I took advantage of it. All's fair in love and fly fishing!
These flies are all tied low water style. Much of the salmon season on the LaHave river occurs during this period. Sparse dressing and smaller hooks accommodate low water. As per usual, this is not the definitive statement, there are always exceptions. The patterns listed are also widely used and not solely for the LaHave. There are flies that have been developed for the LaHave. Many of these patterns are covered in a book called "Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies" by local author Paul Marriner. The Nova Scotia libary has a copy; I strongly suggest those of you interested in salmon fishing to give it a look. It is very entertaining as well as informative.
(The LaHave River has many regulations that change throughout the season. Gear resrtictions are common. Know the regulations before you do any angling.)
Click on the fly for a close-up.
Blue Charm
Many wing variations are used. Black squirrel seems popular as well.
Hook- Salmon up-eye,Thread- black, Tag- fine oval gold ribbing, Butt- yellow floss, Tail- golden pheasant crest, Rib- silver oval, Body- black floss, Throat- light blue hackle, Wing- Grey Squirrel.
Cosseboom
What fly box should be without a Cosseboom. None.
Hook- Salmon up-eye,Thread- black, Tag- fine oval gold ribbing, Tail- Floss run off from body, Rib- silver oval, Body- green floss, Hackle- yellow, Wing- Grey Squirrel.
Silver Down Easter
I've been told that this is an exceptional low water fly.
Hook- Salmon up-eye, Thread- black, Tail- golden pheasant crest, Butt- ostrich herl, Rib- silver oval, Body- silver mylar, Hackle- orange, Wing- black bear
Black Bomber
Until you have the pleasure of an Atlantic Salmon taking a bomber you will not have the love for this fly. Once you do experience it you will never again complain of the mess tying these deer hair creations.
Hook- long shank dry fly, Thread- black, Tail- golden pheasant tippet, Tag- fine gold tinsel, Rib- flat silver, Body- green floss, Wing- grey squirrel, Hackle- badger
Green Machine
This fly is one of the most popular among the anglers I spoke with fished dry or wet. This one was tied by Mike MacKinnon one of the best bomber and bug tiers in NS.
Hook- 3399A, Thread- black,Tail- white calf body, Butt- flourescent green and red, Hackle- brown palmered, Body- green deer body
Green Butt Black Bear
A staple found in many fly boxes.
Hook- salmon up-eye, Thread- black, Tag- fine gold oval tinsel, Butt- flourescent green, Tail- black hackle, Rib- silver mylar, Body- black floss, Hackle- black, Wing- black bear
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