Author: [email protected] (D Harper)

Today we take a look at a different perspective on a Stillwater favorite in Scotland, Hair Hackle Ally McCoist! Named after the famous Scottish Football star, Ally McCoist. This fly has become a true secret weapon for Trout and has had many variations over the years but the original is attributed to stillwater angler Jake Munro among others. This pattern is a fantastic lure for when fish are picky about what they prey on. It mimics that of a Tadpole or Dog Nobbler and can be fished with a floating, sinking or intermediate line but for best results fish this…

Today we’re looking at a cool little lure, The Pink Panther, tied by Steve Cullen. The Pink Panther is an annual fly, but it does very well when fished at the end of the season in the cooler months, especially when the water is colored. Taking advice from Steve, the best way to fish this pattern is to take it out in open water when fishing reservoirs or if you are on smaller lakes, to fish it with a smaller large black magnet in point position. All the materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Center…

Today we take a look at the Pink’n’Purple Nymph tied by Steve Cullen! This pattern takes inspiration from the Purple Nasty, which is essentially a variation on the Pheasant Tail Nymph. What makes it special is that when it comes to Grayling fishing for the Winter months, it is a deadly weapon! Steve’s variant of the Purple Nasty removes that red hot spot as a collar and replaces it with a large swath of purple flashy dubbing. Prepare some of these for your Winter outings for Grayling!All the materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Center…

Today we look at and early season pattern tied by Steve Cullen. The Viva Nymph is one of Steve’s favorite patterns and has been found effective in small areas in Stillwater. Nymphs are a major part of the Trout’s diet and at the right time of day you will witness a lot of movement in the water, pair that with the classic stillwater Trout Catching Viva colors and you have a winner. The Black and Green variants are a must in your flybox so tie a few of these on a size 10 or 12 hook and be ready when…

Today we take a look at the Bare-Back Shrimp tied by Steve Cullen! Shrimp patterns are becoming more popular with reservoirs and more with fly tyers, because they are so simple to hook. The pattern that Steve tied, uses very little material and looks incredibly buggy with a body made of fox squirrel dubbing. No wonder the fish pick up these flies so easily, they look like business! Grab a few of these for your next outing on your local waters. All the materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Center as listed below, but as…

Today we’re looking at the Wee Back End Booby pattern, tied by Steve Cullen! This pattern is one that Steve fishes on the “washing line”, which is a technique where a series of flies hangs on your leader, suspended at both ends. The Wee Back End Booby is perfect as the point flies on the washing line, perfect for the back end of the season paired with hare ears or buzzers. This pattern is smaller than an international size rule Booby, but it is very effective and Steve is proof of this claim as he has been using this pattern…

Aside from being a generic pattern, the Deer Hair Emerger is known around the world and today we examine how Allan Liddle ties this fly. This particular version includes some CDC that serves as a shuck that adds a little extra imitation quality.The slim body combined with the Deer Hair head means that when the shuck and head are ginked up this emerger pattern will sit well in the water. Paired with a well-degreased leader it is visible above the water so you can easily see it and is very attractive in a Trout’s eye view from below. They are…

Today we look at Fox’s Shuttlecock tied by Steve Cullen. If you are into the competition scene you may recognize this name, Fox’s Shuttlecock is the creation of a father and son duo, Tony and Harry Fox. They fish this pattern almost exclusively wherever they go and according to Steve, always catch! Tied in a size 12 or 14 this is a super emerger pattern for any water with a buzzer hatch, with plenty of CDC to keep it buoyant it’s definitely one you’ll want to have in your box. All the materials needed to tie this fly are available…

Today we look at a variant on Hutch’s Pennel tied by Steve Cullen. Hutch’s Pennel was originally created by Orcadian Angler, Ian Hutcheon. This variant that Steve tied uses a dyed pheasant on the tail and a splash of white deer hair on the fly head. They provide an attractive boost and open up color variations for you to experiment with yourself. Ideal for use on reservoirs and Steve explains that he fishes it as a top dropper on the back end. Grab some of these and get ready for your next session!All the materials needed to tie this fly…

This pattern is one of Steve’s favorites for open water hunting. This is a variation of the ultra successful Yellow Owl, his “Half In, Half Out Dry Fly”. This variation incorporates the features of another fish killer the Elk Hair Caddis plus if you want to make the fly more attractive you can add legs. This is a perfect pattern for when you are looking to cover the water, bringing in the rise by throwing around and pulling them in the water. Tie some of these flies, both legless and legless, and try them out at your local!All the materials…