Description
The Green Highlander is one of the great classic Scottish salmon flies, a pattern that has stood the test of time and earned its place in salmon fishing history.
In this video, I tye my version of this beautiful traditional salmon fly, using the same materials as those used in the original fly shown in the photograph. I wanted to keep the dressing as close as possible to the original, preserving both its character and the qualities that made it such a successful fishing fly.
What makes this particular Green Highlander so special is the story behind it.
The original fly came with a handwritten note from an angler named Joe, who described how this Green Highlander had caught an incredible five salmon weighing 43 lb, 33 lb, 26 lb, 25 lb and 19 lb a total of 146lb on the famous River Alta in Norway, before the hook finally broke.
Just imagine the memories attached to that one fly!
The Green Highlander itself has a long and fascinating history, with its origins going back to the 19th century. The pattern was recorded by George M. Kelson in his famous book The Salmon Fly, published in 1895, and over the years it has been dressed in many different styles, from elaborate classic feather-wing versions to simpler, more practical fishing patterns.
For me, that is part of the enjoyment of fly tying. It's not just about creating a fly that will catch fish, but also about preserving the patterns, materials and stories of the anglers who came before us.
Green Highlander – Materials Used
Hook: Size 2 Double Salmon Hook
Thread: UNI 8/0 Chartreuse, finished with Black
Tag & Rib: Large Oval Silver Tinsel
Tail: Sunburst Yellow Pizzly Hair or similar substitute
Body: Yellow Dubbing at the rear, followed by Green Highlander Dubbing
Body Hackle: Grizzle Cock Hackle dyed Green Highlander
Wing: Hot Orange Arctic Fox, Lohkinka Copper Angel Hair or similar, Light and Dark Green Highlander Dyed Hair, and Peacock Herl
Eyes (Cheeks): Jungle Cock
Front Hackle: Grizzle Cock Hackle dyed Green Highlander
I hope you enjoy watching me bring this wonderful old Green Highlander back to life, and perhaps it will inspire you to tye a few for your own salmon fishing.
Thanks for watching, and as always, take care and tight lines.
All the very best,
Davie McPhail