KIllers

[overmywaders]

I have found that when I want a streamer pattern that will handle well in fast water, sink quickly, and cast well, I turn to one of the NZ Killer patterns. My favorite, which took a number of trout last year in NH, is Hamill's Killer size 6, with the light (yellow, not olive) wing. Although this is very similar to a Hornberg, it doesn't have the front hackle and uses a heavy wire hook, both which improve, IMHO, it's performance. The double thickness wing is a nice touch, too. Unlike most Maine streamers, the wings are only a tad longer than the 1x long hook.

Here is one tie of it --- http://www.danica.com/flytier/jnicholls/hamills_killer.htm

I think it works best with yellow for the wing, and a shorter tail. As in http://www.rehfisch.com.au/255.jpg

Try it, you'll like it.

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[fessiewig]

Yellow, you say. O.K. I think I'll give it a go. There is nothing on the hook shank? Just a tail and the two yellow mallard flank feathers???

[cap]

I'm game too...

how are the wings married and paired?

Looking from the top.... ) = a feather w/ it's curvature, and | = the hook shank...

()|() or ((|)) ??

I like simple...Have you tried it with say bead chain eyes or a bead head for more weight?

[cap]

Also like Fess, i'm curious, do you use the wool underbody or not?

[overmywaders]

I use a red wool underbody. I think this has little effect on the appearance, as it cannot be seen through the two layers of feathers, but it does soak up water and kkep the fly wet during false-casting, so the fly sinks immediately upon hitting the water.

Some of the other Killer patterns might do well over here, as well. Perhaps the Lord's Killer and probably the Mrs. Simpson. I haven't tried either though.

The interesting thing about the Hamill's Killer is that it is midway between an over-dressed wet fly and a short streamer. I'm pretty sure in a size 6 or 8 it is taken as a small fish.

cap, use ((|))

The object is a thin fly, too thick and it spins.

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[cap]

Interesting you say keep it thin or it will spin...

My interest was piqued so I snooped a bit and discovered the Killwell's No 1 which went to South Africa and became the Walker's Killer...it originally had up to 10 or 12 pairs of partridge feathers! Wow!

I'd appreciate any more links you might have to these styles of fly...I like 'em.....they look very fishy to me....

[overmywaders]

cap,

here is a pic of one of my Hamill's Killers given to me by an Aussie friend (now in NZ). This particular fly has teken many fish, but is still in fine shape. You'll note that you can't see the red wool body. The actual color of the wings is more yellowish than shown in the pic, but it does have a green hue.

http://www.overmywaders.com/images/hamill.JPG

I'll show you some more Killer's, I have them somewhere.

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[fessiewig]

I wonder if it would be good to assemble the wings Rangeley style?

[overmywaders]

cap,

Here is some info on the most famous "Killer" -- the Mrs. Simpson.

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part236.html

and

http://www.fishingmag.co.nz/troutkillerpatterns.htm

and

http://flytyingworld.com/PagesJJ/jn-mrssimpson.htm

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[fessiewig]

Great article! Beautiful fly! And I thought the concept for the Hornberg was thought up right here in the U.S.

[cap]

Sweet..... thanks Reed....I was gonna do a search over at FAOL....

I'm definately fishing these this season! I like to fish stuff that noone (or hardly anyone) else uses....I've been known to throw some very different stuff to the fish around here!
I like to have a leg-up on the rest of the crowd.....:lol:
Thanks again.....

[fessiewig]

Perhaps with a black tungsten bead head.