No. 9. GREAT RED SPINNER. The Dun Drake (fig. 8) changes into this Spinner, and enjoys for three or four days its newest state and title. It seems to be in season much longer than the Dun Drake, and may even be used on warm evenings during most of the summer months: yet although the Dun Drake is not seen on the water after the middle of May, it would seem that it must still continue to come into existence afterwards, otherwise the Great Red Spinner could be in season only three or four days longer than the Dun Drake.1 IMITATION. BODY. Hog's down dyed red-brown (or orange and brown floss silk mixed), spun on brown silk. It is ribbed with fine gold twist. TAIL. Two long whisks of a bright amber red hackle. WINGS. From an under covert feather of the starling's wing. LEGS. A bright amber red hackle. Hook, No. 2, 3, or 4, long. 1 Although I have spoken of this Spinner as appearing throughout most of the summer months, I am by no means certain that the specimens which are produced later than the middle of May may not be a distinct although similar species of Baëtis. No. 10. GOLDEN DUN MIDGE. The male has feathered antennæ, which the female has not. It seems to require a warm day to disengage itself from its water nympha. On such days very great sport may be had with it until the end of May. In its larva state, it is the Blood-worm of anglers. IMITATION. BODY. Olive floss silk ribbed with gold twist, and tied with dun silk thread. WINGS. From the palest feather of a young starling. LEGS. A pure dun hackle, wound on in front of the wings. Hook, No. 1, Grayling. REMARKS. No fly is more abundant, especially in showery weather, and just after rain. It is a prime favourite on the Dove. A delicate hand is required to make this fly handsomely, and the finest silk. Though shoemaker's soft wax is generally to be preferred, as most durable, colourless wax has an advantage for making delicate flies like this and the Jenny Spinner. No. 10. GOLDEN DUN MIDGE (GOLDEN DUN). Order, Diptera No. 11. SAND FLY. Order, Trichoptera No. 12. STONE FLY. Order, Neuroptera Family, Perlida Genus, Perla Species, bicaudata. |