Tying the Halladay 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: Golden Pheasant Tippet
Body: Wool, Gray
Wing: Rooster Saddle, Grizzly
Hackle: Rooster Saddle, Brown & Grizzly

While researching the Adams dry fly (published last week) I ran across a wonderful page on the Internet that had some great information on Len Halladay, the creation of the Adams, and a video of Grandson actually tying the Adams as Len Halladay tied it many years ago.

I thought it would be interesting to do a tying video on tying the Adams as Len Halladay actually tied it and compare the original to the more modern version today. I call this the Halladay Adams in order to distinguish it from the modern version that is tied today.

This was a fun little side project into the history of a specific fly and being able to see it's construction as well as hear about why it was tied the way it was. According to Len Halladay's Grandson, he never changed the fly from the original version he tied over a hundred years ago and named after Dr. Adams. I guess, if it works don't fix it!

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.

You can also reach out to me through the contact form on DressedIrons.com or send an email to: info [at] dressedirons [dot] com.

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The History of Fly Fishing in Fifty Flies, Ian Whitelaw - https://amzn.to/3unw7gT

Favorite Flies and Their History - Mary Orvis Marbury - https://amzn.to/3JTunC7

Forgotten Flies - Paul Schmookler & Ingrid V. Sils - https://amzn.to/3P1sUOe

The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference to Techniques and Dressing Styles Hardcover – Ted Leeson & Jim Schollmeyer - https://amzn.to/41mdEky

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