Some spring hairwings

Counting down the days here now till the 15th of February and the opening of the Bandon. The water is now dropping and looking at the long term forecast we might be in for a relatively dry spell which will be no harm as it will make it easier to try and find the needle in a hay stack that is a spring salmon in February! Good news on the Lee however as there was a spring fish caught on opening day weighing 8.5 lbs and sea liced. It was caught on spinner on the Cork Salmon Anglers stretch at Ballincollig Park.
Have not being tying too much lately as I feel that I have enough to do with for the spring months. For the time of year I would rather fish only a few patterns rather than have a box full of different flies.

The above flies are tied on size 6 Daiichi hooks which are very strong and sharp, highly recommended. Decided to tie these on singles as I'll probably come a cross quite a few kelts and there's no reason why I wouldn't get a firm hook hold with a spring fish if I came across one.

Above is a zonker pattern incorporating a black/orange over yellow tiger barred rabbit strip tied on a 15mm brass bottle tube for high coloured water. Can't wait to see the movement of this one in the water. Botched the head up a little though with a few too many wraps of thread and the whip finish kept slipping, especially as I was trying to add in some hot orange ice wing to the head. Must sharpen that part up! 

Here now is a green butt park shrimp tied on some plastic tubing, with a conehead placed just in front of the tinsel. I added in the conehead for some weight and it will add to the movement of the fly.

Lastly a Garry Dog variant tied on a 22mm brass tube for high and clear water. I'm hoping the fluoro green butt and antron tail along with the pearl rib will add to the pulling power of this fly and attract the attention of a running fish. 

Lastly, for anyone reading this who may not already know, a big march is taking place on Saturday the 2nd of March in Galway at 12.00 p.m. We are meeting at Eyre Square and marching to Salthill to a BIM sponsored event at the Galway Bay Hotel.