Articu- Royd?!?

 It looks like the forecast for an el nino winter has come to fruition.  Since I enjoy fishing larger rivers that can often take weeks to drop back into shape after major rain events, that means alot of time not fishing for me this winter.  That's not necessarily  a bad thing, since when I'm not fishing, I'm getting alot of work done and in the evenings I have a chance to get caught up on my tying. 

But, when the rivers just keep on roaring at near bank-full, my mind starts to think some pretty crazy thoughts.  Just how much visibility do I really need to fish?  I wonder if I can catch fish inside the willows when the water is up on my favorite run?  I wonder if they are holding in clear tributary mouths?  All of these thoughts are the product of a sort of "fisherman's cabin fever."  When I can fish often, I hardly even have "creative" thoughts.  I just grab my waders, rod and fly box and just go fish.

 So in the spirit of creative thinking.... enter "Articu-Royd" .   ( I know it probably sounds like some new hemmorhoidal ointment, but it's the best name I could think of...)

  In case you've been living under a rock, I'll let you in on some fly tying intel:  Articulated flies are a big hit.  With all of the the new shank systems and components available, a tyer can create and simulate some of the most complex swimbaits that gear fisherman use, and produce very lifelike baitfish patterns. 
They're not only a hit with tyers, but the fish seem to like them too. 

 Now, as many of my close friends can attest..... I'm no purist.  When the chips are down, I've been known to pull some pretty dirty tricks out of my hat to put fish on the beach. But, if I had to chose a fly to fish, I'd chose a classic pattern over most of the newer Intruder-ish stuff any day.

  So with all of this high, dirty water, I needed a fly that would have a big profile, and alot of movement.  Plus, I needed a pattern with bright colors, and contrast.  So, that's how the Articu-Royd was born.  The original pattern has great black and white contrast which is proven to show up in any water color.  Also, the addition of a UV tail and hackle improves visibility in all but the soupiest of water.  Put a hinge in the middle of the big fly, and you've instantly got movement.  Another big bonus of the articulated body, is better fish holding since you don't have a 3" long hook shank acting like a lever trying to pry the fly out of the fish's mouth every time you try to turn him. 

Some tying notes:  For a rear hook, I just used some old mustad 2/0 worm hooks I had laying around.  Any straight eye hook will do.  For a front shank, you can use alot of things.  Commercial shanks made for the purpose will do nicely.  Being a natural born cheap-skate, I made my own from a 2/0 open eye siwash salmon hook.  I straightened the hook and clipped the barb and point off.   The open eye left on the shank is very handy.  I just tie the rear fly, then crimp the front shank onto it.  I attach a gut substitute blind eye and then tie the fly as per normal.  
  Hopefully this little post will inspire you to add some articulated classics to your arsenal. Happy fishing!