Tying a Grouse & Yellow and a Grouse & Orange with Davie McPhail

This week we have a double whammy from Davie McPhail where he makes use of leftover Grouse Feathers. The flies Davie Mcphail is tying, closely resemble Northern Country Spiders, with a threaded body and a soft hackle. Simple and effective flies that require very little material to be made. North Country Spiders and Clyde Style Spiders have been around for over a hundred years and have been a favourite amongst fly anglers across the world. Excellent flies for using on Rivers and Streams. With Trout Season fast approaching its definitely worthwhile having a few of these flies, in different colours tied, ready for March.

All of the materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Centre as listed below, but as always, if you need any help finding materials or substitutes then we'll be happy to help. Time to tie a Grouse & Yellow and a Grouse & Orange Fly, with the guidance of Davie McPhail.




Materials Used:

Grouse & Yellow:

• Hooks: Fulling Mill Barbless size 16
• Threads: Pearsall's Yellow Silk
• Body: Pearsall's Yellow Silk
• Hackle: Grouse Feather from the Wing

Grouse & Orange:

• Hooks: Fulling Mill Barbless size 14
• Thread: Pearsall's Orange Silk
• Rib: Gold Tinsel
• Body: Pearsall's Orange Silk
• Hackle: Grouse Feather from the Wing

Additional materials: Additionally, Davie made use of Varnish, which he applied to the thread after completing the fly.

Davie's preferred type of whip finish tool can be found HERE!