Royal Wulff - Splitting The Wings

[mic]

On the Royal Wulff patter, how critical is it that you split the (white calf) wings?

[dennis boatman]

It is important if you are trying to tie as it should be tied. Not so important if you are tying just to catch fish...It is always fun to tie classic fly patterns as they have been tied for years. But when it comes to fishing them...close is good enough...

[mic]

It is important if you are trying to tie as it should be tied. Not so important if you are tying just to catch fish...It is always fun to tie classic fly patterns as they have been tied for years. But when it comes to fishing them...close is good enough...

I ask because... I use this fly mostly in broken water runs with a midge dropper. Most of the time, I end up cutting off the dropper because it is working on top. I also seem to have more luck after the fly has been used and looking a little shaggy. I noticed that if I don't split the wing or only put one figure eight in, it looks more like the "shaggy" verision. So I was curious if I should start from there. Plus, its brokent water. I figured the trout wouldn't get a good look at it. I just tied two each way...I'll let you know.

[Buzz]

I can't really comment on the Royal Wulff in particular, but I can say that I have had a lot of luck with my own experimental flies. The shaggier the better it seems. I've caught both quality and quantities of fish using these buggy looking flies. Like Dennis said,"Not so important if you are tying just to catch fish." I agree totally. If you find a pattern that works for you stick with it. They are called variations for a good reason. Just go with it.

[jdmidwest]

Splitting the wings just help balance out the fly proportionally as it floats in the water. But I have tied them parachute style with a calf post too. And I have used synthetic poly yarn for wings too, they don't absorb as much water and are easier to tye with.

There is no set of rules on how to tye flies. The instructions are just "recipes" to follow, feel free to experiment, you may make improvements. It is all a part of the craft.