TOSH – NED RITCHIE One of the Dee’s most popular flies was born on the Spey and in this article, first published in Trout & Salmon, I look at the origins of this wonderful pattern.  Dressing The dressing varies and going by the samples we have of Ned Ritchie’s originals, which were a plain long black wing, it is clear …

The Willie Gunn is a much-loved fly on the Dee. In the article below, first published in Trout and Salmon magazine, I take a look at the origins of this amazing pattern. Tag: oval gold or silver Body: oval gold or silver rib over black floss/ flat gold tinsel Wing: equal parts mixed black, orange and yellow Head: Black or …

The early months of the season are a special time to be on the river. Conditions can be challenging with low temperatures and gusty, icy winds. The fish at this time are fewer and farther between than any of us would like, but as in so many things, scarcity increases desirability.  If restricted to one fish a season, most of …