Nova Scotia Atlantic Salmon Flies
              

Atlantic salmon angling in Nova Scotia has made significant economic, social, technical and cultural contributions over the past century. Some notable angler innovations are part of this rich history. Development of hair wing flies for Atlantic salmon in Nova Scotia began in the early 1900's, probably 1920's. Since then, innovative anglers in Nova Scotia have contributed several important fly designs.

Pioneers in their development and use were people like Dan MacIntosh, St. Mary's River guide, fly tier Joe Aucoin of New Waterford, Cape Breton, Peter Cartile, an outfitter on the LaHave River, and John C. Cosseboom, a Rhode Island businessman who fished the Margaree. In future columns we’ll discuss contributions of some of our contemporary anglers.

Cosseboom Salmon Wet Fly

John C. Cosseboom introduced this wet fly on Nova Scotia's Margaree River in 1922, first tied as a streamer. The salmon fly version has since become one of the most popular patterns on North American rivers. It is also called the Cosseboom Special, to distinguish it from other patterns and variations in the Cosseboom series of flies.

The fly uses few materials and its simple construction enables it to be tied by novice tiers. I regard the fly highly since it has caught many fish for me, including both my first and my largest salmon. The originator preferred flies with red heads, insisting that the Cosseboom be tied with red tying thread. Below is shown the original salmon wet fly as well as a contemporary dressing that utilizes some of the great fly tying materials available in recent years.

Cosseboom Special (original dressing)

Head colour:       Red

Hook:                 Black salmon hook such as Mustad 36890 in sizes 3/0 - 10

Tip:                    Embossed flat silver tinsel

Tail:                   Olive-green silk floss (Pearsall’s shade #82), cut off short

Rib:                   Embossed flat silver tinsel

Body:                Olive-green silk floss (Pearsall’s shade #82), moderately dressed

Wing:                Grey squirrel extending to the end of the tail

Hackle:             Lemon-yellow hackle tied on as a collar after wing is applied & slanted backward to merge with wing

Cheeks:            Jungle cock (optional)

Cosseboom  (a contemporary dressing)

Thread:              White 8/0 UniThread

Hook:                 Partridge Bartleet Supreme* salmon hook sizes 1 - 10

Tip:                    Lagartun silver flatbraid

Tail:                   Green Antron body wool

Rib:                   Lagartun silver flatbraid

Body:                Green Antron body wool

Wing:                Grey squirrel over 4 strands fluorescent green Krystal Flash

Hackle:              Bright yellow hen hackle, collar style, & folded backward

Head:                Fluorescent red thread, finished with 2 coats Angler's Corner glossy head cement

*Note  - Partridge of Reddich, now owned by Mustad, has moved production to China and the Bartleet Supreme hook is no longer being made. Shame! 

I've switched to another fine hook, the Daiichi 2161, which I prefer anyhow!