The Strathspey, a Nova Scotia Fly for Fall Salmon

Spey flies originated in Scotland long ago, as long as 2 centuries. They are simple flies that we think were designed to imitate shrimp, or prawns as the British call them, and they were very effective salmon flies. They have taken their name, as have Spey rods and Spey casting, from Scotland’s beautiful Spey River. 

Most Spey flies were tied on long-shanked light-wire hooks designed for these flies. They were sparsely dressed with long, flowing hackles and a flat bronze mallard wing – great imitations of the legs and feelers of a shrimp with a shell back. Above all, these flies had a terrific lifelike action in the salmon pools of olden times.

Like Spey rods and Spey casting, Spey flies are currently enjoying a renaissance for fall salmon fishing on Nova Scotia rivers. The Strathspey uses the traditional characteristics of these Scottish flies and feature bright shades of orange that are irresistible to our salmon when frost covers the fields and the rivers run clear and cold.

Long ago these flies were hackled with long-fibered heron feathers, but today we have readily available legal substitutes like turkey marabou, cock schlappen, or the wonderful new Whiting Spey Hackle (now available from River Magic's website store). The Strathspey also substitutes squirrel tail tied flat and low for a wing, rather than bronze mallard for three reasons – the material is readily available, is easier to tie, and has a proven record on salmon. The counter-rib of the traditional Spey is retained because it protects hackle stems and makes the fly more durable. Our new synthetic Ice Dub makes a great body substitute for dubbings of seal fur or pig’s wool.

Here’s a recipe for Nova Scotia’s Strathspey that produces a very traditional looking Spey fly using new and improved materials.

The Strathspey

Thread:                       UTC G.S.P. 50 Denier red thread

Hook:                          Partridge Bartleet Traditional Salmon hook, size 1-2/0

Tag:                            Gold Holographic Flatbraid

Tail:                             None

Rib:                             Silver Sparkle Braid

Counter Rib:              Gold Holographic Flatbraid

Body:                          Orange Ice Dub

Body Hackle              2 orange spey hackles

Hackle:                       Mallard flank dyed orange

Wing:                          Grey squirrel tail dyed hot orange

Head:                          Red thread finished with 2 coats Angler’s Corner Wet Head Cement

Enjoy your fishing and please stay on the line …