All-round sporting guide and renowned fly-tyer Iain Wilson shares three salmon flies that catch fish across Scotland
POSH TOSH
Hook 1½in tube to size 16 micro treble Thread Black 8/0 Body Double layer UTC Opal Mirage tinsel Rib UTC chartreuse standard wire Hackle Three turns fluorescent yellow hen Underwing Fluorescent yellow arctic fox (underfur removed), eight strands of yellow Lite-brite or hot yellow Angel Hair on top Overwing Black silver fox (underfur removed), 1¾-2 times longer than hook or tube, two strands of Mirror Crystal Flash on top Cheeks Jungle cock dyed hot orange Head Black varnish
I designed this fly when flashy materials first came on the market. I’d had success with yellow-and-black flies like the original Tosh, which I decided to make “posh”. The fluorescent and flash materials make it stand out, especially in coloured water. I use it in slightly coloured or clearing water, too, but reduce the size as the water clears. Only if the water is gin-clear do I change to a version tied with a black floss body and standard yellow hackle. It has caught fish around the world, including seven in one day for me off the Dee two seasons ago.
PUPPY DOG
Hook ¼in-1in tube (2mm diameter for needle-eyed B990 Kamasan treble Thread Black 8/0 Body Gold holographic tinsel Rib UTC gold wire Wing Sunburst yellow shadow fox with under fur and eight strands red-Ice Angel Hair – all the same length as tube. Red arctic fox (underfur removed) 10mm longer than tube, tied over. Black arctic fox (underfur removed) and two strands pearl Crystal Hair, 10mm longer, still on top Hackle Hot orange hen. Two turns of kingfisher blue hackle (one side stripped) tied in front Head Small Future Fly Hybrid or standard-sized cone, depending on fly size and water
A fly originally tied by well-known Thurso guide, Pat Nichol. I caught two fish on it and thought I could tweak it for my own use. I replaced the original blue jay front hackle with sparse kingfisher b
