We will meet on Saturday January 17th at 9am in Issaquah. Those wanting breakfast will meet at the Egg & I at 8am.

 

Well, let’s start another year of the Northwest Atlantic Salmon Fly Guild. As I reflect on things, I am elated to see the real interest in tying the Classics from our membership. What’s more important is the help our group lends to others,  any time I can look out and see help being offered, techniques shared and discussions with each other about our hobby. It’s awesome to see, and to be part of.

 

 That being said, we will have our January meeting demonstrated by Dareld Thompson a long tome member of the Guild, who is an excellent tier. When I asked, there was no hesitation from Dareld. I think you will gain valuable tips from watching him tie. Dareld chose the Butcher from T.E. Pryce- Tannett, the recipe above will be our guide. The Butcher, like the Gordon will have many different recipes and options for the fly tier, it’s a very old Salmon Fly.

 

I took the liberty to tie up the pattern so we would have something to complement the listed recipe from Linda, it’s only a way to tie this fly, the options are up to you, as Dareld will demonstrate.

 

I would encourage you to elevate your tying by utilizing proper hooks, which will compliment your progress and proportions. Choose a style which you like, order them in reasonable sizes, say 2/0, 3/0, or 4/0 one with a standard length for that wire size and one with a longer shank, for extended flies. These hooks are at our meetings every month, take some time to sit down, pull them out and make an informed decision while talking to Byron about them. He’s the Master and he knows the history about them better than anyone! Trust me, these hooks will elevate your tying, guaranteed.

 

Also speak to Joe Kristof about weighted bobbins (a must) along with lots of other tools, vice attachments and beautiful bases, he also makes the wing setter! Another member of the Guild providing excellent products.

 

If you need fly tying materials please reach out to member John McLain at Feathers MC.com. Quality stuff from a very reliable and trustworthy vendor.

 

Remember our Library and all of the books, videos and thumb  drives of meetings, and guest tiers, which are all up to date.  Call Dareld, secure your books and he will bring them to the meeting for 1 month, then returned them to Dareld. 

 

Flies can be donated to Hunter for the Guild Archives, also if you have any tips or things for the Newsletter Hunter puts together, please get them to him for inclusion  for the next Newsletter, or can be archived until needed. Having things for him to include makes the work a little easier by having several articles to pick from. Hunter donates his time and energy to put this together for our membership, so any help is appreciated.

 

If you haven’t put in your paperwork to tie in Albany it’s not too late, it’s so much fun and very well attended by Guild members every year, come join the fun. As usual, Todd Yorke and his lovely wife Linda open their house for a Food Extravaganza not to be missed, resident Life member and Chef Steve Morton always puts on a feast and story telling not to be missed. I will have my notebook handy in Albany so please stop by and sigh up for the dinner. 

 

I am not sure about doing the white board this month, unless I speak with Dareld and get his thoughts about it and if it’s necessary. He has his own steps and

techniques while he’s tying, so we will see how this pans out. 

 

As always Mark will be setting up for the demonstration and allowing our on-Line members to watch and participate in the meeting. Any feedback helps to streamline the session into a nicely viewed production, as well as tweaking as we go along. So thank you Mark. The session will be posted as we draw closer to the meeting date for anyone wanting to tune in. I believe this part of our meeting has really made a huge difference in the quality we try to bring you every month.  

Thanks to all who help set up the tables and chairs every month, as well as tearing it down when we are done. Helps to keep us off the Naughty list!

 

See you all on Saturday January 17th at 9 am. Coffee will be on, beverages in the cooler. See you soon, Happy New Year!