Tying the Adams - Dressed Irons

Step by Step showing you how to tie the Adams dry fly.Show more

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Hook: Mustad 94859, #10 - #18
Thread: Danville 6/0, Black
Tail: Rooster Saddle, Brown and Grizzly
Body: Life Cycle Dubbing, Muskrat Gray
Wing: Hen Saddle, Grizzly
Hackle: Rooster Dry Fly Saddle, Brown & Grizzly

The Adams is one of the mostly widely known dry flies in modern times. It's success is that it does not resemble any particular natural insect but can represent a great many insects. Thus, it's versatility is almost limitless. The Adams was created by Len Halladay way back in 1922 (over 100 years ago) in Mayfield Michigan. He created it at the request of a good client, Dr. Adams. Upon fishing the fly for the the first time Dr. Adams caught many fish with the fly and declared it to be "a knock out". Len Halladay decided to call it the Adams in honor of Dr. Adams.

The original Adams is a bit different from what we know as the Adams these days. In addition, there are many variations of the Adams that have been developed over the years and all are effective. I have two resources for those interested in learning more about the Adams, it's origins, and it's variations. First, get a copy of Mike Valla's book - The Founding Flies: 43 American Masters: Their Patterns and Influences ( https://amzn.to/3HpxxiL ). There is a wonderful chapter on the Adams and Len Halladay as well as how a number of variations came to be.

You can also head over to the article by John Kreft - Adams Fly Pattern History ( https://www.johnkreft.com/adams-fly-pattern-history/ ) to learn more about the origins of the Adams. This website has three different videos that are done by the Grandson of Len Halladay and he actually takes you through tying the original in the same manner as Len Halladay. The videos are a real gem! -- Enjoy.

If you have any questions about the tying of this fly feel free to let me know in the comments below.

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