Tying 2 of My Favourite Dries with Davie McPhail.

[@devinolson9053]

Davie is the Bob Ross of fly tying

[@cachi-7878]

Well, at least I could understand what Bob Ross said but they both put me to sleep! Hahahaha!

[@fergalkellett6652]

Classics and well tied. great video, thanks

[@simongroom974]

Love this pattern. The way you make the wing from one handed feather really helped me. Thank you!

[@Nikbaldin71]

Dear Davie, thank you for your videos

[@ianbruce6515]

I love the mellow mood of your videos and the excellent demonstrations.

[@TheXeniaman]

Your fly tying methods have helped me plenty. All I can do is say thanks.

[@chrisvandonsel365]

Thank you sir, catching up on your older videos. Second fly is one I have tried and had great luck with. I'll try the first. Thank you!

[@diamondcoachcurtis40]

Just starting.. but have watched lots of your videos to learn. Finding material is not easy and when you put in a order ..there goes a hundred bucks. When you tie this simple yet FISH catching flies it reminds me Use what you have.. I've caught plenty of fish on a yarn egg with a nymph below. The bigger fish hit the egg. I love the Art of tying, and learning keep my mind busy.. some times over thinking.. When you go back to simple but effective Catching Flies.. I tie more. Thanks for helping us learn..

[@DalePickett-d7c]

I haven't been watching your Fly tying videos for too long but I love the ones that I've seen

[@glenndotter5065]

I enjoy all your videos Davie!

[@letmeshowyousomething2649]

This fly. This ruff ready miracle bringer of trout to man.,oh but YES Nice one Mr M sir. Love your school of excellence. Jimi

[@jackreeves3001]

Your thought and skill amazes me. Thanks for sharing!

[@letmeshowyousomething2649]

Davie sir, you are an absolute joy to watch in the craft, and tru gem in the sport of fly fishing. I honestly only last week realised what those holes that appear on Turkey tails wher! Doh! Lafyn to myself at the amount of times I stared at wing feathers with a furrow on me brow only to wrinkle me nose and place it back in the paper cup a couple less fibers and me no wiser on the 8 gage!

[@yvessultan6286]

I am not surprised that these two models, classic in their design, have caught a lot of fish! And thanks for helping me solve a little problem with making ephemeral wings with a single portion of quill in this video.

[@door2yourheart]

I have loved all your videos over the years, but I always come back to this one. Takes me back to basics.....the subtlety and simplicity. Those special Indian capes that were all we had back then.

[@door2yourheart]

.....and yes, i really enjoyed that!

[@josefpepekohoutek634]

Dear Davie, thank you for your videos, I'm going to try tie my first fly and I'm sure you showed me the way how to do that. There are lot of videos on the internet but no one can compare to you. Thank you! Regards from Czech republic.

[@Derwentmole]

The grey duster! A seldom used pattern now. I wouldn’t be without them in my box. Nice one.👍

[@jedstone6007]

Well Davie, great informative video, making myself a cup of tea, then going to try these. Keep the tutorials coming, they are really are helpful to us learners. Thank you, regards Jed

[@justin81011776]

I like how such a skilled tyer who has tied up many complex patterns wouldn’t leave home without this simple little grey duster. There is something to be said for that but I don’t have the words, however I can say that I admire that in you. My badger cape just arrived in the mail today... :)

[@dannymcg8300]

Lovely looking flies Davie. Well tied. Thanks for sharing.

[@winks002]

Nice work Davie, I've tied a few of those to give a go in a week or so when I head fishing with my father in law. Can't wait to give them a try. Thanks for another great video.. Hope all is well... Sam, and the family...

[@ThePinhi]

I really enjoyed these two flies Davie. Thank you very much.

[@sbleiler]

Davies Mcphail is GOD! One of my favorites yet, I love classics. I hope it never ends, your videos are my life.

[@Guenounovitch]

You're so nice ! Giving time to help us, and share some of the best flies that i saw. Thank you again sir :)

[@jimthetelemech1977]

loved the great tip on getting a pair of wings out of a damaged feather, I bow down to your awesomeness and mastery of the vise my freind.

[@samrowan6289]

Davie, Lovely flies as usual, will need to add these to the box. Much appreciated.

[@stephenasbridge878]

My first trout on a dry fly was on the Grey Duster….happy memories for a 12 year old back in 1982!

[@jamesgallacher7560]

Every day a school day Davy. I've just finished a box o Diawl bachs of sorts 😅 now onto some dries. Don't know about wings yet but def that Grey Duster. Beautifully done znd explained. Thanks again.

[@Dod01]

I use to get shipped down to my Grandparents in Edinburgh on the summer holidays. And I use to fish "The Water of Leith" in Roseburn. My two favourite dry flies were the "Gray Duster" and "Hen and Yellow" :)

[@55dougie]

Davie - Love these two old patterns.... After watching I had to tie up some Lark and Grey's.... Thanks for all your video's, Doug.

[@seanmooney3907]

Davie, I heard you say anywhere where trout are rising these flies will work. I am never sure whether to tie a fly, especially if you tied if for Ireland. I live in the Easternmost state in the U.S. and I have never fished these flies. I tie them for peace of mind. My wife is ill and I don't get out much to fish. Like never, but I love to tie flies. I would like them to be effective when ever I do have my job done. Thanks so much for teaching how to tie flies. You have saved my sanity! Sean

[@keithelliot3772]

Lovely flies, the traditional flies still do the business.

[@tomfisher3117]

Very cool Wing technique. Excellent! Thanks!!

[@noelange1]

Thank you I will be watching all of your videos. You have talent for sure. Fly tying is an art . Jeff

[@maksokovac4438]

Hi Davie,I enjoy watching your pics. I'm a musical guy, and by copying your muscles I've had a lot of nice catch. I am from Bosnia. Hello

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hello Makso Kovac, I am glad you enjoy the videos and thank you for your kind words... All the very best Davie

[@cboinske1]

Davie Thanks very much for all of the patterns. I have learned a lot from your videos. Best, Phil Pa, USA

[@ipod1978]

Cracking video. Thoroughly enjoyed this

[@bossamood6536]

Davy, love your videos, you are a consumate professional at what you do and glad that like me, you still believe in the continuing effectiveness of slip wing flies. And you show how relatively easily they can be tied using your style. They caught lots of fish in the days of Halford, Skues, Marryat and others and there's no reason why they shouldn't today. In fact I seem to have more success with spinners (e.g. Orange quill) with slip wings than just hackle alone. Spinners for example are not dry flies that alight on the surface of the water, they are dead or dying flies in the surface (Meniscus) of the water, so I tend to use slip wings and trim the bottom of the hackle short and press the wings flat so the fly lands in the water, with the wings showing in the water, and the short underside hackle pressing into the water like feet. It works for me. I don't believe in having 'pretty flies' to be honest, the fish can see that they are too perfect and if I buy flies the first thing I do is 'rough' them up between the fingers. Skues mentions a lot of methods in his books (e.g. the short underside hackle) and they have worked for me!

[@navydonald]

Just had a couple of brilliant days on the Mersey and Hodder with these flies Davie. Sometimes the old ones are the best.

[@eoinandrew2437]

Nice one mate am from the shire too, yer doing us proud

[@pedro2130]

First class, inspirational as usual. Thanks Davie.

[@madaboottroot]

Woohoo, finally...the grey duster! Also my favourite dry! :D excellent vid davie, keep 'em comming! Best regards, Kyle.

[@techmick1399]

I like your videos a lot. The Grey Duster is so effective. I use a Gizzly hackle for my version but I like your tying style much.

[@danielwelsh]

I subscribed, i like your scottish accent and also the way you do your instruction, i was struggling with wings but not anymore thanks to you :), i will be tying these flies tonight, cheers to you from Nova Scotia, Canada

[@RalphBellairs]

Some great tips in this video. Thanks, Davie.

[@ugsisr]

Mr Mc Phail, I tie a pattern similar to your grey duster which works well for trout. I actually tie it in a few colors both body and hackle... Thank You!

[@ticker696]

Great Video again Davie ... I just started tying , you make it look so easy LOL Can,t wait for the next Video Later TC

[@zenbooter]

HaHa, “browny points”, haven’t heard that in awhile. Wonderful tie Davy. Thank you. Tommy.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Jeff Dosser, I use Prepared Fly Tyers Wax which is sold by a wholesale company called Veniards and what I do is cut off a small piece then I'll soften it by working it between my fingers until it's soft and tacky. I will then attach it to the side of my finger ready to be used...I'm glad you are enjoy your tying... All the very best Davie

[@ericlong9085]

thanks davie,i think the rough flies r usually the best,my favourite been the bob s bits tyed in lots of different colors and dennis moss's chocolate drop sedges,very easy to tye and they can take a good hammering before u need to change them,take it aisy and keep em coming

[@davidhockin241]

I've watched and learnt from many of your videos enabling me to build up a comprehensive collection of flies and fly tying materials. I've just watched the Special Klinkhammer video and you use Bug Bond instead of varnish or Superglue. I'm interested in why because Bug Bond is rather expensive compared to the other 'varnishes'

[@MrTruthhurts777]

Davie, I couldn't agree with you more. The Grey Duster is perhaps one of the most effective flies ever. I use them in different sizes with great effect. Personally I find the Grey Duster in sizes 16 and 14 to be best on the rivers and a size 12 is terrific arounf may Fly time on the Loughs. Greetings from Ireland.

[@krallmi48]

Hello Davie... Now that I'm able to watch again, I had to come to this tie and see it again. I was wondering if this might be a tying you would consider doing again in higher resolution... maybe show the difference in tying thread color used for the lark & grey. Only if you are looking for something to do, mind you. Mike

[@danjohnson6292]

You make tying flies with wings look soooo easy. (Editted because I type so poorly)

[@robertperman8967]

Very nice! Tight lines🦗🐜🪰!!!!

[@chrislandis3158]

Outstanding flies very well orchestrated they are beautiful looking flies i would love to learn them could you please send me info on the grey duster thx so much, as usual your a great teacher and enjoyable to watch

[@K8Nicole]

I liked this video a lot.

[@jeffnelson2197]

A absolute legend, master craftsman make it look easy! 🫡

[@41odyssey]

cheers for using barbless hooks!

[@JD-sd8tf]

Caught my first ever wild brownie in a small stream with a grey duster. Not that long ago, to be honest, and now am about to try tying one for first time.

[@MrBrianlillie]

Great vid, just started tying. And picking up a lot of good stuff.

[@acezn8s1]

Nice flies, they do well here in the states as well. Thank you,

[@sophiegreen2802]

Tanks that was by far. The best one yet

[@flyfishnsparky]

Davie, Love the videos as usual..if you run out of moles over there in Scotland..I have some in my yard waiting for you to trap. All I ask if that you show me how shave the dubbin off them!

[@richardduvall6512]

Awesome ties as always

[@stevegoodchild409]

Davie excellent as usual !!!!! I am looking at the old style flies to top up box - would you say you could touch the wing tips with a smidgen of varnish to keep them from splitting ? Cheers

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Steve, I'm glad you liked the flies..I wouldn't do this as it will cause the flies to spin and this will twist your cast up..The fly still fishes well and I feel it looks even better once the fibres have separated so don't worry about it... All the very best Davie

[@dryflyman7121]

When I tie winged flies like this, I always put a tiny drop of Veniards ‘flue glue’, with the dubbing needle, at the base of the wings. The flies don’t spin and the wing holds together much longer.

[@JonasTheLundh]

I'll make sure to tie a few of these for sure. Also, I don't know if it is your style, but I would very much enjoy to see your take on some pike patterns, more precisely popper patterns and things similar. A mouse pattern perhaps?

[@duderoony]

Just going over my to-do list and ‘sorted’ it oldest first and this was my first one. While we’re locked in and going barmy I’m trying to up the stakes on my abilities. It’s slow going..... I’ve got to get to grips with the scale of everything to balance the fly up as well as basic techniques. Early days lol!

[@graemebrown1191]

Well done Davey

[@jameslennox2414]

Brilliant fly

[@Mrddp1963]

Great tie!!! I'm starting to tie them in a #20 hook. Thanks!!!! Tight Lines....

[@noelange1]

Hello again my long distance friend. Just tied my first . It turned out gorgeous following your instructions with the wings using a size 14 hook. My smallest fly yet. Would love to know how you keep the wax on your finger to use . Saves having to pick up a stick and also seals the whip finish without having to put on head cement.

[@lathkiller]

Hi Davie, great video as usual. Could you please let me know where I could obtain the thread wax you use. Kind regards Tony.

[@mikeboule1967]

very nice that looked like pretty small hook do you use a magnifyer

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Mike, I just use a pair of reading glasses to tye with which I buy from a local store so I've been lucky with good eyesight...I'm glad you liked the flies.. All the very best Davie..

[@jamiekfc10]

Hey davie ive not seen your videos in a while its great to be back. Also if you know the pattern could you maybe tye the crimp shrimp it is supposed to be doing great for salmon on the local rivers Thanks Jamie

[@jasonball9166]

you make that look sooooo easy

[@TJthebombit]

Hi Davie, I just started tying flies but I don't have a big enough budget to buy all the materials you are using. I was wondering if you'd be able to make a video on some materials that you thing are essential when starting with flytying, and maybe give some comment on different sort of dubbing or other materials. It would help me out a lot. Greets from Holland

[@edmilsonpail]

That's great your videos, too bad here in Northeastern Brazil does not have trout, so I can do this kind of iscais.

[@moneychange9213]

Davie, Could you give me a little more detail on the hackle you're using? Usually I think of a stiff rooster hackle for dry flies, but the one on your grey duster looks to be more like a hen cape. Maybe a young cockerel? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, I really enjoy your videos.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Money Change, When I first started tying I could only buy capes from Chickens bred here in the UK or Indian and Chinese cock and hen capes which I learnt to tye all the patterns I needed to fish the rivers and lochs of Scotland and I still like to use them today though many of the new capes that we can buy now can also be very useful as well...I hope this helps you.. All the very best Davie

[@nickolla27]

look great respect for you from romania

[@thomasguyer8036]

Hi Davey ~ do you have a book I might buy where your recipes are available. I always seem to be one item short. ....... Two wild steelhead came to your Purple Spey three weeks ago here in Idaho. Thanks for your insight into where I might find your recipes.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Thomas Guyer, I'm sorry to say that I don't have a book of the flies but maybe some day I could find the time as I would love to see this myself...I'm glad you enjoy the videos and that you gave the purple spey a go and you caught a couple of wild steelhead...Well Done... All the very best Davie

[@kennethsimpson2321]

Great looking flies. Just wondered what make of hook you used?

[@stephenprice9120]

Hi Davie, As a novice tyer, I will definitely be trying these two patterns! Just one question, what hook do you recommend for tying small dry flies? Barbless preferably. Keep up the great videos! Thanks, Steve

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Steve, I have attached links to the barbless hooks I like to use, the wire of the Fulling Mill Ultimate dry fly hook is slightly heavier than the Partridge but they both work fine with most patterns.. All the very best Davie www.fullingmill.co.uk/Products-UK/Fulling-Mill-UK/Ultimate-Dry-Barbless-Black-Nickel-S12-UK www.partridge-of-redditch.co.uk/products/barbless/patriot-barbless/patriot-fine-dry

[@stephenprice9120]

Great, thanks a lot Davie!

[@markdwyer100]

thanks again dave so simpel but so great two crakin flys keep up the good work many thanks mark dwyer dublin ireland :):):)

[@ralphs007]

Thank you Davie. I've noticed that you don't use head cement on the finished head. I also see the lack of head cement used on dry flies,in some of my fly tying books. I think the fly looks better without the head cement,and I've stopped using it on my dry flies too. Have you noticed any difference in the flies longevity,when using head cement or not ? Thanks again for the excellent videos !

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Ralphs007, Coating the head of the fly with a fine coat of varnish will help make your fly last that bit longer, though I have fished many a dry that I have tyed for myself and have lasted until they have worn out.. Well waxed thread also helps but also apply a little varnish just before you whip finish as this is one of my favourite ways to finish off a fly...I'm glad that you enjoy the videos and thank you for the kind words.. All the very best Davie

[@ralphs007]

***** Thank you !

[@krallmi48]

And I enjoyed it again, Davie... probably the 20-odd time I've watched you tie these two flies... =] I'm wondering a thing. Here and with other flies using mole fur bodies, you mention blending it with a little bit of rabbit. Would you say about the proportion you find to work well doing this, please? Mike

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Mike, I would add just enough not to take too much of the colour of the mole away as it will lighten the dubbing if you add in too much, and just enough that it spreads throughout the dubbing...I'm glad you enjoy the video and the flies as they are still a favourite of mine.. All the very best Davie..

[@krallmi48]

@@DavieMcPhail Thank you, Davie... I'll do some experimenting now I know what to look for. I've been adding too much and getting it too light. Mike

[@markdovell24]

nice work! 😎

[@selfishbastards3995]

great video sir

[@nealwallace6110]

What is the wax you used. I've seen it in videos before but haven't had anyone specify what type of wax it is?

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Neal, I use Veniards Prepared Fly Tyers Wax, I made a video on it as well as the way I like to use it so I have attached a link for you to see.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3-Xf2xofJZnjsk All the very best Davie

[@gonzalez7921]

lovely, Grey Duster, less is more ;)

[@techmick1399]

Yes, very often sparse is best.

[@dimitermilushev575]

Hi Davie! Great flies, thanks very much for sharing! I am still learning and have a couple of questions. First of all, where to get the (Indian) capes, dubbing and feathers for these flies? Is the quality of capes very important, is it worth to buy genetic ones? I love tying dries but it's difficult to know where to buy the materials. Cheers

[@acezn8s1]

Awesome video thanks. What size thread do you use on that.

[@richardc6932]

Hello Davie, In your opinion, would these two patterns be suitable in just about any river for trout or are they more suited for fishing in your region? I live in Nova Scotia, Canada on the East Coast. I often wonder if the flies you tie are for European waters. What's your opinion on this. Thanks for all the great instructional videos.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Richard Croft, There's many a fly from your side of the world that fish well here and I'm sure these two patterns will certainly fish on your waters as well...I'm glad you enjoy the videos.... All the very best Davie

[@noelange1]

Well I am still trying but every time I fold the wing it just separates into lots of fibers.Could it be I am trying to use the wrong type of feather. What kind do you use and where do I get them.. Love the veniards fly tying wax. It was fun at first getting it to stick to the side of my finger. Love all your videos , keep em coming.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Jeff Dosser, I have attached a link to mallard quills which are ideal for tying dry fly wings and are the easiest to use..I haven't bought from this ebayer but they look ok to me and the price is good too...I wouldn't worry too much about the wings splitting as they will split anyway when you are fishing and still catch fish... All the very best Davie www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-Brown-Grey-duck-quills-LH-RH-25-each-flytying-crafts-Dragonflies-/390576533254?pt=UK_Crafts_Other_Crafts_EH&hash=item5af02cef06

[@noelange1]

***** thank you so much. Will give them a try. Have a great and blessed day, go fishing if you can

[@jameshiggins9038]

I notice you wax your threads quite often. Most threads I buy now come pre waxed. Is it still best to wax even on pre waxed?

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi James, You can get away with just using the waxed threads though I put more wax at certain points where you need a little more grip especially when tying the hackle and wings on..I also use the wax on silk threads which strengthens and protects them as they don't come prewaxed... All the very best Davie

[@kaochang6624]

hi Davie I can never stop watching your videos....they are always so entertaining. love the music u play at the beginning and end.....one quick question though....do you buy the feathered skin or do you make them yourself? and what kind of bird is it? thank you again for all the great videos

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi kao chang, I buy almost all my materials as they have been cleaned and are ready for use unless I need to dye them a certain colour then I'll give them a wash before and after dying..I'm glad you enjoy the videos and as well you like to listen to the music which my son composed and played for me... All the very best Davie

[@1958trickyricky]

i learned something here i like tying this fly with a quill body (peacock hurl striped away) and i always had trouble with the wings i used twwo feathers and the always seperated i will try your method

[@ross1458]

Dear Davie, Don’t know how to contact you other than this so I hope you see this. You mentioned you would try a Dynamite Harry Gray duster. Don’t forget to show us. Some of theses old “rough” patters are great on any water.

[@ross1458]

Also. You mix rabbit with your mole. Is that body fur

[@dkdriftking1993]

Hey i was just wondering what are some good hooks to get for dry flies like what size and brand and everything like that

[@noelange1]

I just found your video . Have always had trouble with wings gotta try your way. What is the name of the whip finisher you use? Do you have a video on using it?