The Ace of Spades was devised by Dave Collyer in the UK. This is very effective in lakes when fished slow and deep with intermittent retrieves. This is also a classic fly for night fishing - black flies provide a clear profile against the evening/night sky which is what makes them so effective. One of the best of the black streamers and works very well here in NZ.

Tying Pattern:

Thread:  Black

Body:  Black chenille ribbed with oval tinsel

Hackle: Guinea-fowl fibres tied in at throat

Wings:  Two hackles dyed black and positioned back-to-back and extending beyond hook bend. Over wing of bronze mallard.

The black rabbit is an awesome night fly - the combination of the visibility of a black fly at night and the movement of the rabbit "wing" makes this fly very successful. The rabbit wing is so effective because when it gets wet and absorbs all the water it gives a very fish-like pulsing type action.

Tying Pattern:

Thread:  Black

Body:  Black chenille with silver oval tinsel rib

Tail: Black hackle fibres

Hackle: Optional

Wing:  Rabbit strip (tied in matuka style by rib)

This fly was designed by Bob Church in the UK to imitate fish fry on lakes and other stillwaters. This fly also works on rainbow trout here in NZ under similar conditions. Ideal for fishing slowly in lakes, lake edges and river mouths. Can be fished on floating, intermediate, sink tip and sinking lines.

Tying Pattern:

Thread:  White

Body: White wool - esp fluorescent, covered with polythen strip/tubing.

Tail: Red wool (can be fluorescent)

Hackle:  Scarlet cock hackles and white cock hackles

Wing:  White marabou

This fly was designed by Albert Willock from UK to catch rainbows on his local resevoirs - and now this fly catches trout right across the world. Best fished in a lake with a steady retrieve, and it is particularly effective on rainbows. There are many stories of this lure outfishing all imitative patterns (much to the surprise of the regular "experts") - even on days when fish are feeding heavily on the natural. Doesn't always work but always worth a try - especially on those days when nothing else seems to work.

Tying Pattern:

Thread:  Red

Body:  Red floss with silver (or gold) flat tinsel rib

Hackle: Hot orange cock

Wing: Orange bucktail (or calf tail or goat hair)

Bead Head is optional and not part of original trying pattern.