Welcome to Feathers, Flies and Phantoms, a web site about both the history of the fishing tackle makers and retailers of Aberdeen, Scotland and the vintage salmon flies used on the Aberdeenshire rivers of Dee, Don, Deveron and Ythan. The purpose of the web site is to share knowledge and increase awareness of the importance of Aberdeen and the surrounding area to the history of fishing. I started the web site in November 2008 and have been amazed at the interest shown, it gets viewed from all over the world, currently the most views come from (in order, highest first) UK, Finland, USA, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Norway, Germany, Poland and Ireland. The main sections of the web site can be accessed through the buttons on the right of this screen..
Vintage flies takes you to a listing of all the vintage salmon flies from the area, including the famous and unique Dee-style flies, if you click on a fly you will be taken to a page that will show a photograph of the fly (vintage if I have one, or if I don't then perhaps a more modern tying) and details of the dressing and history.
Tackle makers takes you to list of the tackle makers based in Aberdeen from 1820 to the end of the 1900s, click on an individual maker and you will reveal a short history of the maker and in some cases examples of the tackle they made or sold.
Cool stuff is a page that contains things that will interest anyone that likes any type of vintage salmon fly and fishing history. It includes photos of fly plates from old tackle catalogues (useful to get the style and proportions of vintage flies correct), the writings of William Murdoch in the Fishing Gazette, Pryce Tannatt in 1952, William Brown on how to Tie a salmon fly, PD Malloch on how to tie a salmon fly, Ernest Crosfield and anything else that I may think of that doesn't fit any of the other pages!
Not Dee Flies - in my research into the Aberdeenshire flies I uncovered some interesting details of other salmon flies - too good to keep to myself. So here you will find pattern details and photographs of flies from the Fishing Gazette, Hardy's Ballina and Scott series flies. Here again I have tried to include photos of vintage flies - but I have to thank others (esp Bob Frandsen) for supplying me with photos of their interpretations of the patterns.
Links and More, all web sites seem to have a links page, here I only list links that I use on a regular basis and would be happy to recommend - no advertising! This page also contains some interesting design drawings from the early 1900s
About me - well that's about me and some old fishing huts!
Guest Book- this is where you come into play - let me know your thoughts on the web site, suggest further areas for research etc.
If you spot a fly with no illustration and want to contribute feel free! If you know of further flies from Aberdeenshire that I have missed let me know. Do you know other rare salmon patterns you think should be on Not Aberdeen Flies drop me an email. Do you know more about the tackle makers again let me know.
UPDATES
27th August, 2010 - A quick update, I had a days fishing with Donald Macleod last weekend on the Fishponds beat of the river Tay, one of the pools is called Benchill, I pronounced this as Bench hill and wondered if the Benchill fly was named after it. Donald gently corrected me and told me the correct pronunciation; "Benkle", now this clears up one of the unkown Dee flies on my "must find the dressing of" list! The Benckle is the Benchill. I have tidied up the description of the fly in the Vintage Flies section. (If you are wondering - neither Donald or I caught a fish, but Alan the boatman landed a sea-liced fish that tasted very nice the next day.)
4th July, 2010 - Added a photo of a Vero by Geert Werbrouck.
1st July, 2010 - Changed the listing for Moonlight added in Moonshine dressing and some history - thanks to Martin O'K for all his help - if you have any Moonlights let me know and if you have any more detail on the Moonshine let me know.
30th June, 2010 - Sorry there have been no updates for a while, been busy with new job and trip to Norway. I have updated the entry for John Ritchie, Tackle Maker Aberdeen with more details. Hope to be more active with updates shortly. Close to resolving the Moonlight/Moonshine conundrum!
18th April, 2010 - Today an email arrived from Gordon Sandison "I came across your website whilst researching my family tree and was thrilled to see a picture of a fishing gaff made by my great great great grandfather - Ludovick Grant Sandison." Gordon also provided me with some further detail and directed me to a photograph of the beardy old man - I have updated his entry here.
30th March, 2010 - I need your help! A couple of weeks ago Steinar Christensen of Norway posted a fly on the classic fly tying forum titled "Moonlight on Mrs Higginbotham", whe I read the title I thought he had made a mistake and it should have been "Moonlight or Mrs Higginbotham" - but I looked at the fly and it was not what I was expecting. So I contacted Steinar and discovered that this was a pattern for the river Em in Sweden and had been invented by J.D. Greenway and that he had written a book called Fish, Fowl and Foreign Lands published in 1950. I bought the book (quite easy to find on abebooks and not expensive - and a very good read! - some about the river Dee).
Now I know the Moonlight Dee fly, and from my notes I see that it was invented by J.R. Greenway and is sometimes known as the Mrs. Higginbotham. I can't recall where this bit of information came from - the only published reference I can find now is in Pryce-Tannatt - so if anyone can confirm this it would be great.
So was JD JRs son and did he invent a fly and name it after his fathers? or are my notes incorrect? Here is an extract from JDs book and a very nice tying of the "Moonlight on Mrs Higginbotham" by Steiner:
"Some Em fishermen maintain that the only idiosyncrasy that these fish seem to have is their apparent dislike of the colour blue. You may, they affirm, let your Blue Charm or your Silver Blue hand ever so enticingly in an eddy, or come round perfectly no semblance of drag (the greased line is always fished here); but the sea-trout remain totally unresponsive. One angler at least has tried for years without success to catch one on a Silver Blue; but the fish do not seem to mind the blue hackles in the Doctor series. So the theory does not seem really tenable. If the fish have any preference, it is for reddish-brown and dark orange flies of the fiery brown or shrimp type. Once at the very end of the spring season when they had entirely gone off and no one had caught a fish for two days, I devised and tried a fly as different as possible from those we were using. Next morning I got two fish on it, the other's rods remaining blamk, and after dinner that night. I dressed three more and presented them to the three remaining anglers who next morning each caught a fish upon them. No one knows of course what it is about any given pattern of fly that appeals or not to a fish and this will surely continue to be a fruitful subject of argument until this dreary new world finally distroys itself. But incase anyone is interested, I give the dressing:
Tail: Topping Body: Black seal fur Ribbing: Narrow oval silver tinsel Hackle: First gallina, two turns, then a small black heron hackle. Underwings: Silver Pheasant with teal over and a topping.
This is known as "Moonlight on Mrs. Higginbotham""
26th March, 2010 - Added a new link in the links page to a site that explores fishing gadgets, tins, bottles, knives, flytying vices etc. It's an American site produced by Dean Smith, but features some great stuff from the UK including a neat pair of Malloch flytying sissors, see it here http://www.tackletreasures.com/
25th March, 2010 - Sorry about the lack of updates recently. Here are some new flies from Bob Frandsen, I'm jealous of his supply of cinammon turkey! They are the Grimble pattern Killer, Akroyd, Balmoral and Tricolour.
2nd March, 2010 - A fantastic illustrated history of the Calder businesses in Aberdeen from Fraser Henderson - Fraser lives in New Zealand and sent this to me whilst the recent tsunami was approaching! I knew next to nothing about the Calders prior to this. See it half way down this page.
4th Feb, 2010 - A tackle catalogue from Robert Turnbull of Edinburgh for the year of 1938 dropped through my letter box today, I had a quick scan of the salmon flies and there is listed for the Dee (spring and autumn patterns) : Akroyd, Red winged killer (which I assume is the Tricolour), Dunt, Glentana, Gordon, Grey eagle, Mar Lodge, White winged killer and the Yellow eagle - so no surprises there. However there is also a list of Dee and Deveron (summer patterns - the following patterns were kindly supplied by W. Murdoch) : Badger, Blue Charm, Blue Peacock, Garden wasp, Geen mantle, Jeannie, Jockie, Logie, Mallard & claret, Sailor, Silver blue, The wasp and Watson's fancy, a few new ones to me in that list - so expect an update on the main Aberdeen list shortly, I've not researched the missing one's yet, so if anyone can give me a clue on the Blue Peacock, Garden wasp and Green mantle I would be very happy!
3rd Feb, 2010 - Been having an interesting email conversation with Ally Gowans (inventor of flies including the modern classics Ally's Shrimp and Cascade) who is making a BBC radio programme about Alexander Grant and the Grant Vibration rod. I have put a link to one of his web pages on the links page, or you can go direct from here! http://www.letsflyfish.com/ I would say if you want to fish with an Ally's Shrimp you should buy it from the inventor - his prices are cheap considering the work and material that goes into them.. and who knows what they will be worth in a few years time (if the prices of Megan Boyd tied flies is an indicator).
Also trying to track down the dressing of a fly called the Cairnton - is mentioned in the catch record books of Cairnton beat of the Dee, see pictures of the beat alongside the Blue Charm.
9th December, 2009 - Added a new chapter in the Cool Stuff page called 'Weird and Wonderful' where flies with interesting features will appear fromr time to time - the first 6 photo's come from the collection of Jason Lewis (thanks Jason!) - descriptions & details to follow - but check out the spear barbed flies... You'll find them just below the catalogue plate scans.
2nd December, 2009 - Feathers Flies and Phantoms is now a year old - It's great to get a review - makes it worth the effort - Thanks Richard! http://www.fishingblog.richarddonkin.com/
1st December, 2009 - As promised yesterday some very interesting new stuff on the Gordon - with thanks to Bob and Martin - I think we can present (or as close as possible to) the original version of the Gordon as tied by Cosmo himself.
30th November, 2009 - Been a bit busy with my proper job lately... But very pleased to share with you a Captain Walton from Bob Frandsen, also Martin Lanigan O' Keeffe has sent me (along with some other VERY interesting stuff - more of that later) a photo of a Gordon with a brass wire eye, see it with the other Gordons.
18th November, 2009 - The rest of the William Brown Don flies from Francis Francis - Book of Angling - have now arrived, another historic set from Bob - my fav is no 6.
17th November, 2009 - A fine Corniehaugh from Philip Glendinng and a not so fine Dr Corbet (or Minister of Drumoak) from me...
12th November, 2009 - The first of the William Brown Don flies, taken from Francis Francis makes an appearance here (Tied by Bob F - sorry about the spelling Bob!), Jan Muisers sent me pattern details of the Black and Yellow Wasp, then sent a picture of one he has tied, that's on Not Dee Flies. Had a great time at the British Fly Fair at the weekend catching up with people, Philip Glendinning gave me a "Cornihaugh" - one of the "missing" Dee flies - I'll get a photo on here soon. Met up with Mikko (always a pleasure) he is doing great Snow Flies - I'm hoping he will send me pictures of the Dee Snow Fly and the Dodger. Good to see Mike Townsend, Ted Patlen, Sarah (great painings of the Spey flies, Sarah - if only I had a little more cash!) and many more. John Knott showed me a recent find - a couple of Salmon Fly Brooches, Green Highlander and a Pale Torrish, I think, with a surprise on the back, would be interested in your thoughts (pictures not v good due to cellophane cover - obviously John did not want to remove it!):
1st November, 2009 - Gordons, Gordons, every where
28th October, 2009 - William Gardens low profile Gordon
26th October, 2009 - A new version of the Ythan Killer, a William Brown dressing of the Gordon (from Kelson) and the Empress arrived today.
25th October, 2009 - The William Murdoch Don flies are flinished and loaded - I have to say that I have never seen the full set of these flies before and they are very interesting, to quote Bob "Dee flies but not Dee flies" - Anyway a huge thanks to Bob for allowing me to host the images here.
24th October, 2009 -WM Don fly 10 and another Gordon
23rd October, 2009 - WM Don flies 8 & 9 now up, when you have admired those pop over to the Gordon page where things have started to happen.....
18th October, 2009 - WM Don flies 2 & 3 loaded, No. 3 is very special to my eyes
17th October, 2009 - The first of the 12 William Murdoch Don flies as published by the Fishing Gazette in 1884 is here
16th October, 2009 - I just love the Murdoch flies for the Ythan, Bob has send a new picture of the Green Parrot- it's a cracker! Bob has his own web site, you can see more of his work here: http://bobfly.webs.com/
14th October, 2009 - I just love collecting! I saw some vintage flies on ebay - the photo was awful as was the perspective of size, however I noted some Dee fly shapes so I bid the minimum amount (not much at all) and thought to my self, at that price it would be OK if the flies were rubbish I could re-use the hooks. They arrived today - whilst not in the best of condition, I'm very happy with them, the photo below is of the 3 largest, 6/0 long shank (Grey Eagle), 6/0 and 7/0 long shank. Can anyone help me with the pattern of the second 2? I guess the pattern is something like:
Tail: Golden pheasant tippet Body: 1/5th light orange, 1/5th dark orange/red, the rest black Rib: Broad silver tinsel Body hackle: Cochybonddu (dark center, light tips) Hackle: Guinea Fowl Wing: Speckled Turkey
11th October, 2009 - Photo of Mr Murdochs Fail-me-Never added, here
9th October, 2009 - Photo of Sir Peter added see it here
2nd October, 2009 - Had an interesting day on the Sluie beat of the Dee, the hut was very interesting - see the About Me page for photos and why the hut should be of interest to vintage fly fans....
18th September, 2009 - Had a supper day on the Dinnet Beat of the Dee this week with brother-in-law david this week, bright sun (as usual for me!), I lost 3 fish one which was very big and David landed a 10lb fish - see the action in the About Me page along with some photos of the huts on the Dinnet and Dee Castle beats. We were fishing size 12 stoat's tails amazing for this time of year.
15th September, 2009 - A wee while ago I bought a couple of old photograph albums, the first is a series of photos of a Salmon & Trout fishing holiday in canada in the 1920's the second (same people) a Bass fishing holiday. I'm not quite sure what to do we these, they seem quite important, what do you think? Here are some from the first album: [There didn't seem to be much interest in these and they made the opening of the home page quite slow - let me know if you want to see them]
3rd September, 2009 - Been on an extended holiday, will get back to updating the site shortly. The last part of the holiday was in Sutherland, family holiday so no serious fishing but thought you may like to see a picture of the splendid fishing hut at the mouth of the river Laxford, will be going back without the kids sometime!
10th August, 2009 - Check out the splendid Childers ...
30th July, 2009 - You may spot a new page in the index! And to follow on the Pig's Wool trail, here is a Black Dog Mackintosh style!
29th July, 2009 - Had some good correspondance this week, first from Bob Fransden that included a photo of 'The Pride of Aberdeen' from Tolfrey (Jones's guide to Norway), I have always wondered about how this fly got it's name and if it should be considered as a fly from the North East of Scotland and hence included on the Vintage Flies page of this web site - I would appreciate your thoughts on this, in the mean time, here is a very fine example of a mixed wing PoA...(thanks Bob!)
Update on Pig's wool, Brian has rooted out an earlier reference "Great references. Thanks. I've also had an enquiry for the wool as a result of your web site posting that I've passed on.
Meanwhile, at www.aboutflyfishing.com/library/weekly/aa120199a.htm there is a reference to Alexander Mackintosh (1742-1829), The Driffield Angler - J Etherington, Driffield about 1806. This mention particularly concerns the Salmon Fly 'The Black Dog'. His method is given as:
Wings: Bluish feather from a Heron wing intermixt with spotted reddish ones of a turkey tail
Body: Lead coloured pigs wool (from under the ear) ribbed small gold twist
Throat & Hackle: Large Black Cock's hackle
Head: Dark Green mohair spun on dark green silk
I don't know what page it would be on in the original reference but I believe there is a picture as well.
Since Driffield is in East Yorkshire and just north of the Humber this is particularly interesting as it may be the earliest Pigs Wool reference and would presumably use Lincolnshire Curly Coat Pigs Wool."
Also
22nd July, 2009 - An excellent Bruce now loaded. Pig's Wool! your help required, see below. Had a great email from Simon Runting in New Zealand, he has discovered some paperwork from William Brown (well it would be James Harper at the time) listing out salmon flies that he wanted to sell to a retail business in New Zealand in 1912. This is of great interest as it contains some names of flies not in the 1897 Browns catalogue.... I have some work to do on this, but in the mean time here is a quick peek.
PIG'S WOOL Got this email today:
I have been reading your web site with great interest. My reason is the study of the use of Pigs Wool in tying flies and in particular that from the Lincolnshire Curly Coated Pig.
This animal went extinct in 1972 (the last rare breed to do so in the UK before the formation of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Charity) and we have been trying to reinstate the heritage through the import and subsequent breeding of its cousin the Mangalitza. Further information on our activities can be found at www.rectoryreserve.co.uk
Recently we started supplying Pigs Wool to the USA for dyeing and thence for fly tyeing. This has led me to research the background to this usage. Hogs Fleeces were regularly exhibited in competition at the Lincoln Show until the First World War.The wool was used, not just for making fishing flies, but was shipped to mills in Lancashire for knitting into very warm winter waistcoats. We wanted to carry out DNA testing on samples of old pigs wool to compare with today's animals in order to tell how closely linked our imports are to the original Curly Coats. Unfortunately I have been unable to locate an old waistcoat for analysis.However, I understand that collections of Salmon Flies from earlier times exist. Some samples in these examples may contain Pigs wool amd it may be viable to examine these without adverse consequences for the specimens. Do you think this would be feasible? Any advice you can offer would be appreciated. In passing do you have a reference for the earliest mention of Pigs Wool (under this name or another ie the material) for Fly Tyeing - as distinct to 'wool' which presumably would be from sheep?
Your help is much appreciated.Regards, Brian S Codling
This is what I have found so far:
The Northern Angler - Kirkbride 1840
Jones's Guide to Norway 1848
Rocks & Rivers - Colquhon 1849
The Erne - Newland 1851
The Anglers companion - Stoddart 1853
I'm sure that some of you out there will get much earlier referrences - please let me know and I'll note the earliest on the site
15th July, 2009 - Not had much time recently, but got a chance to load some more pictures of Dee fishing huts, on about me. Two more Dee fly photos added, the Rintoul and the Red Wing, both here
6th July, 2009 - Back from holiday - let's just say the sun shone A LOT! - will be posting pictures of more Dee huts at the end of the week. Today we have the Fishing Gazette pattern of the Silver Grey from Dave Carne and a picture of Mar Lodge - the Lodge.
27th June, 2009 - Time for the annual trip to the Dee next week, Aboyne Castle, the fishers did well the week before last and OK this week, so hopes are high (although the forecast seems to be for a heat wave!). New photo of a traditionally tied Gled Wing and a plate of Malloch's "flies for Scotland" from Where to Fish, 1932, - in amongst the catalogue plates in Cool Stuff - some great standard patterns, with a lovely Akroyd. The following advert from the same book, if ever there was a reason for time travel it would be to order a few dozen flies from Kilroy! Does anyone have access to a copy of The Field 23rd June 1932 mentioned? - I'd love to post it here.
24th June, 2009 - New photo of the Helmsdale (Gaudy) Eagle see Not Dee Flies
23rd June, 2009 - New photo of the Hold Fast see Not Dee Flies
22nd June, 2009 - So many people have told me how much they enjoyed seeing the pictures of AHE Woods "hut" at Cairnton, I have added some more of the hut, house and the Dee at Cairnton - they are located with the Blue Charm
15th June, 2009 - Two new pictures of the Silver Grey tied by Dave Carne - looking forward to the next one! Also added a new pattern to Not Dee Flies found in the book "A River of Norway, being the notes and reflections of an angler", by Charles Thomas-Standford, 1903.
10th June, 2009 - Crosfield and Malloch "how to" now back and in Cool Stuff
4th June, 2009 - Disaster struck and I lost all the contents of this page - luckily all the others are fine! So I'll be building back some of the lost content over the next few days, incl Malloch on the Salmon fly and Crosfield on the Black Silk (sadly all the update notes from the last few months are lost...)
All researched material and pictures Copyright Colin Innes 2008, 2009 & 2010
