The first mystery fly contest of the year caused people to think about different uses for McFlyfoam and Swisher’s wiggle hackle…. Folks don’t often use these two materials in the same fly…. We got some innovative ideas back (as usual.) We also heard about some frustrated attempts - Alberta’s dry air and McFlyfoam’s inherent “stickiness” didn’t mix well for some folks.

Here are the winners from Mystery Fly #3.

The winning entry was tied by Gary R.

Mystery Fly #4 was due back on Sunday, January 24. Materials for this round made folks think nymphs. Judging of round 4 was delayed slightly because we had to reassemble the shop after the 8th Annual Western Canadian Fly Fishing Exposition at Spruce Meadows…. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the show.

Max R’s nymph won the fourth round of the mystery fly. Here are a couple of pictures of his tie along with one of the runner’s up.

Fish Tales introduced the Mystery Fly contest late in 2009. We provide participants with identical packets of fly tying materials which they incorporate into a finished fly. Tiers need to include some of each of the materials provided plus one additional material. Tiers provide their own epoxy or glues and thread. We will continue to promote this contest until Spring.

Next time you’re in the shop check out some of the Mystery Fly ties that we have on-site. We continue to be impressed with the creativity of participants. Thanks for supporting this initiative!