The Original Adams

Yesterday I was reading a post on the Fly Anglers Online Forum which was discussing a fly that someone happened to call a "Purple Adams." This started a discussion about the Adams fly and if this particular one could be called an Adams or not. I won't get into that discussion, but it got me to wondering how many people really even know what the original Adams looked like? I don't think there is any fly fisherman who would argue about the success of the Adams and I can almost guarantee that in every fly box, on any given river in this country, there is some form of an Adams in there! I did a little research and found some great information on how the Adams originated and what it originally looked like. To make a long story short, Leonard Halladay came up with the fly in 1922, and gave it to a gentleman by the name of Lon Adams to fish the Boardman River right here in Michigan. The next day, Mr. Adams returned, and asked him the name of the fly because it was a "knock out." He named the fly the Adams since Mr. Adams had made the first "good catch" with it. If you would like to read the whole history you should check out the article in "The Adams: History Revisited by Tom Deschaine" in Hatches Magazine.

Here is my first attempt at the Original Adams.

Original Adams

Original Adams

Hook: Mustad 94840 #10-20

Thread: Uni 8/0 Gray

Tail: Two Golden Pheasant Tippets

Body: Gray Wool Yarn

Wings: Grizzly Hen Feathers Tied Slightly Spent and Forward

Hackle: Brown and Grizzly Mixed 

You will notice there are three major differences when compared to the modern Adams. First, the tail is golden pheasant instead of hackle fibers. Second, the body is made of wool yarn instead of the muskrat dubbing. Third, the wing is tied slightly spent and forward slightly. I think I may tie up a few more in different sizes, break out my Orvis Far and Fine and give them a shot. What do you think?



Going a Little Furthur with the Adams Parachute

Looks like I am going to be going to see Furthur in July at the Meadow Brook Music Festival. I forgot to log on to the computer today right at 10:00 to get tickets.  When I finally remembered at 1:30 I was afraid they were going to be sold out. I got lucky and there were a few tickets left. I cannot wait.  I have been a Dead Head ever since my college roommate introduced me to them back in 1989. This will be my first time to see Furthur. Now I'm in the mood to hear some Dead music. So into the CD play goes the Grateful Dead's Dozin' at the Knick. This is one of my favorite Grateful Dead albums. I would have loved to be at the shows when this was recorded.

What to tie tonight? It looks like my boxes a light on Adams Parachutes so I better get working on them. This is a great pattern if you cannot figure out what is hatching. The trout seem to take this fly for any number of different hatches. It seems they clue in on the size instead of the color when it comes to an Adams.  Everybody should have several in their box. This fly can save the day and has for me several times.

Adams Parachute

Adams Parachute

Hook: Mustad 94840 #10-20

Thread: Uni 8/0 Gray

Tail: Grizzly and Brown Hackle Fibers

Body: Gray Superfine Dubbing

Wing: White Z-Lon

Hackle: Grizzly and Brown Hackle

One note I should make. While the original calls for Grizzly and Brown hackle I tied these with Cree hackle. This is a great substitute for the mixing of grizzly and brown. If you are ever lucky enough to find on pick one up. It will be well worth the price.