Plunge Hellgrammite

[alanb_ct]

TPO regular visitors, especially folks that fish the Hous, may want to consider this pattern:

http://www.flyaddict.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1442

I call it the plunge hellgrammite, and it's the first time I have seen heat shrink talked about for fly tying. This fly has been an awesome pattern for a while, and is designed to get to where hellgrammites live, right on the bottom. I like the fact that it gets there without lead. Don't try to false cast with this fly, just water load and flip.

Please let me know what you think, I am also experimenting with other patterns of this style. For all you predators that visit here, consider this fly during an early June thunderstorm deep at the head of a pool.

{Aaron, Nymphmeister, SloNDeep, Strol-Eye}, thanks for an education on fishing, and a renewed enthusiasm for this upcoming season!

[AaronJasper]

yeah its pretty cool watching the hellgrammits crawling up the storms drains. its like watching a horror movie. these huge things are crawling all over the place. they look scary but the trout love them. i have one good pattern that works but it takes the person that makes them for me at least an hour to make one. ask torrey about the trout with one hanging out of its butt. ;D ;D they do eat a lot of them

[SlowNDeep]

Hey Alan,

Nice pattern!

I saw it on flyaddict when you posted there.

My early prediction is that you'll be the winner of their contest! although the only thing that matters - really - is that the fish think its a winner 8)

I have a pattern I like that is quick n easy, probably not as quick as yours, but I'll post it next chance I get.

[AaronJasper]

yeah you are right slondeep. we wont win any fly contests becaus of how ugly our flies look. however, if the fish had a most hated fly contest we would definately win

[SlowNDeep]

[quote author=AaronJasper link=topic=194.msg1418#msg1418 date=1173104765]
yeah you are right slondeep. we wont win any fly contests becaus of how ugly our flies look.[/quote]

Hey! Speak for yourself - Your flies are ugly :P

[Nymphmeister]

Alan-
Really interesting fly, you definitely think outside the box when it comes to fly design. I find that most Hellgramite patterns I have tried just don't produce, yours looks like it might be a winner though. I'm guessing you probably find your best success with it during higher water in the Spring? Love to hear any stories or other additional info on that fly. It must weigh a ton.

[alanb_ct]

Thanks for your comments. I've had the most success with this pattern in a few deeper holes in the upper Hous TMA, usually during high or muddy water around June 1. It does sink like a rock, don't try to false cast it with a 4 weight! It has nine brass beads for weight. It's easy to tie. During the season, I'll try to post when this fly is working.

[SlowNDeep]

[quote author=alanb_ct link=topic=194.msg1517#msg1517 date=1173278047]
Thanks for your comments. I've had the most success with this pattern in a few deeper holes in the upper Hous TMA, usually during high or muddy water around June 1. It does sink like a rock, don't try to false cast it with a 4 weight! It has nine brass beads for weight. It's easy to tie. During the season, I'll try to post when this fly is working.
[/quote]

Ditto

Here is the pattern I use, not as elegant, and certainly not the same movement - I like the way you incorporate the rabbit strip, Nymphmeister and I have talked in the past about the problem with most hellgramite patterns - No Movement.

This one has lead wrapped the entire length underneath the body - No false casting!!!

[Nymphmeister]

SloNDeep-

Nice Helgramite, how has it fished for you?

[FK]

SloNDeep,

Very nice Helgramite, the material for the leggs appears to be synthetic yarn of some kind?

Could you give us some hints on its construction?

Regards,
FK