I just finished the Avid Angler Steelhead Tying Class and in short, it rocked.

Nathan Keen, the manager of the store, and a fine steelhead fly fisher teaches the class. Instead of his normal class, he tried something different, we tied 8 of his favorite patterns, most of which are his patterns.

The high points were a simplified GP that he swears by, Nate's Weasel, a matuka style rabbit strip leech, Nate's Magic Series which are 3 hackled flies that are his response to spey patterns, a rhea Intruder style fly, and a few other patterns that will become part of my steelhead box.

Nate is a fine tyer with a good teaching ability. I enjoyed his class emmensely. If you have decent tying techniques, but want to learn some new ones, his class is a great way to do it.

Rob

I thought I was going to get the rights to a rabbit strip matuka pattern. Made one up last month that looks pretty good. I used a rabbit strip for the wing, copper witre to hold it down, angora hair yarn picked out (leech yarn) for the body, and some saddle hackle for the hackle. Is this close to his pattern?

LOL, I've had many a patterns dashed over the years as "my own". Normally almost all are an exact, or slight variation, of a known pattern. Case in point, had an old book from about same time salmon flies went to hairwings (around the 1950's). Found a few of my "private patterns" that I thought I invented on the pages (this was around 1980/81). Crushed me to say the least. So far, only a few new ones go into uncharted territory. But so many dressers out there tying for so many years, hard to come up with something truly original. But, it's the thought that counts (plus, you add your own personal touch to these patterns). I know the rabbit matuka isn't new.

Hey fj15,

That pattern has been around for 10-15 years. Written about by Dec Hogan in Amato's first Steelhead Flyfishing Journal sometime in the mid 90s, it's been popular ever since for ease of tying and incredible action.

FWIW,

Brian

I just have never seen it anywhere. I might be the first to use angora hair yarn for the body. It makes it's own leech effect and pulsating action all in its self. It's almost like polar chinelle(sp) but it's natural.

...and trust me, Brian (as long as myself) can vouch for the effectiveness of the Rabbit-Matuka style of tying.

Nate's Weasel is a matuka bunny pattern on a Alec Jackson 3/0 Heavy silver hook with a tail as long as the body. The body is pearl body braid, the wire copper, the bunny red with black tips, with a red schlappen collar and red guinea collar in front, and a few red krystal flash the length of the critter.

It is one honkin big fly.

I've got too many Rabbit-Matuka patterns in my quiver to list and some I never will as they have produced too well for me...

Hmmm? I've tied em with Diamond Braid, chenielle, woven Ostrich, wool, spun maribou, straight tinsel and exotic dubbed bodies. Tinsel or wire ribbing. Any amount of flashabou or krystal to add sparkle.

Hell, you can even attach alternative color rabbit strips to the underside and create what's commonly known as the Double Bunny!

Have FUN with it. The variations are endless and are only limited by your deranged imagination and your ability to cast the monstrosities you create.

LOL Brian. Reminds me of a flyswap I did with Sparkey. He sent some monster waddington that weighed about 5#'s. Had a hard time lifting the thing. Sent it to Fred Evans, since he has some of those monster spey rods that can handle it. But remember that thing was a good 4" long if I remember right, and wide. Can't remember the pattern off hand, but maybe Ryan can. Was one helluva big fly. LOL

I agree Brian, only limit is your own demented mind. Have been sorting out old flies, and found some that I look at and go "What was I thinking". Had one I think I should've called the "Kitchen sink". Was one I tied up for the OP rivers. Thing has about everything on it.