Development of hairwing flies for Atlantic salmon in Nova Scotia began in the early 1900's, probably 1920's.

Pioneers in their development and use were people like fly tier Joe Aucoin of New Waterford, Cape Breton, Peter Cartile, an outfitter on the Lahave River, Dan MacIntosh, St. Mary's River guide, and John C. Cosseboom, a Rhode Island businessman.

Well known fly tiers Harry & Elsie Darbee visited the Margaree River each fall, boarding at Heart of Harts, a homey inn operated by the extraordinary Mary & Laird Hart family. Lee Wulff was another guest at that inn. It is probable that many fish stories and salmon fly ideas were exchanged in such places where fishers gathered.

American author J. Edson Leonard contacted many fly tying pioneers in the late 1940s, asking for fly samples, dressings, and fishing advice. His book “Flies”, first published in 1950, documents very interesting material from that wonderful post-war period, with photos of flies submitted by Nova Scotia’s Joe Aucoin and Peter Cartile, among others.

We'll be adding other flies and their stories, both new and old, to this gallery in future.