Trout treat: Late-season fly fishing in southern Ontario

Our top fly was the streamer above. I learned it from the late fly guide, innovator and educator Ian Colin James. Ian passed away this summer, long before his time. But when in better health, he was the Franklin’s club pro, which was part of the reason I tried this fly. Also, it’s one of my all-time favourite multi-species streamers.  I don’t know the fly’s name—or if it has one—I just call it “Ian’s Pink Shiny Fly.” Though if anyone knows the real name or story, please contact me! Here’s the recipe:

Ian’s Pink Shiny Fly

Hook: 2XL to 4XL streamer, size 4 or 6*

Weight (optional): A few turns of lead wire

Tail: Tuft of pink marabou

Body: Silver mylar tubing

Underwing: Sparse blue bucktail over sparse white calf tail

Overwing: Mallard flank feather, tied flat and curving over bucktail

*Unlike many flies, you can’t scale this pattern up or down much. That’s because mallard flank feathers have a limited size range, and if the overwing is too large or small, the fly won’t swim right.