The Flies of Clark Lucas

Clark Lucas, from Idaho, shows his passion for tying Spey and Dee-Winged Flies in the beautiful examples you will see here. These flies are Clark Lucas's originals, tested and proven on the steelhead of his native waters - the Little and Main Salmon Rivers and the Clearwater in Idaho. We hope Clark will continue to send us samples of his fine work. I asked Clark to write a little about himself. This is what he had to say:

I've been fly fishing since 1974 while working as a Forestry Aid for a Rail Road Company in Idaho on the St Joe River. I didn't get serious into it until I moved to Island Park, Idaho on the Henry's fork of the Snake River, living there for 10 years working as a Forester! Moved to the Salmon River country on the Payette National Forest in 1989 and became addicted to Steelhead fly fishing.  

Dave Hanson first taught me how to tie flies in Island Park, Idaho, and I got "Over my Head" into Steelhead fly tying after meeting a Champion Fly Tier, who turned me onto Spey, Dee-Winged, and Atlantic Salmon flies where I currently reside. His name is Dr. David Burns and it is his fault that I developed an addiction to Spey fly tying, because he taught me most of what I know about tying them. Dr. Burns turned me on to great literature on the Classic Salmon flies and then turned me on to John Shewey and it is through John that I first purchased fly tying materials of great quality that are superbly dyed!!. Bill Morrison of Bearlodge Anglers is another supplier along with Phil Castleman who provide a great service in fly tying materials.

I recently turned my heated wellhouse into a fly tying and rod building sanctuary where I tie my flies in a peaceful environment! I've spent a lot of time on the Little and Main Salmon River plus occasionally fishing the Clearwater River when the Steelhead are "Running" spring, fall, and winter. Currently, I have increased my Fly Tying Library, enjoying just about all current literature on Steelhead and their rivers! Completing my material/supplies in Steelhead fly tying occupies most of my free time, committing me to several fly swaps. The Spey fly swaps are a better alternative to the "Rock Gods" that deplete my fly boxes! Fly fishing for Steelhead in 33.7 degrees F tells you my commitment to this addiction and I can't stop thinking and talking fly patterns to my fishing partners.

Every time on the River is a learning experience! There is nothing like the swing of a fly and the possible excitement of a "Take" and the "Scream" of the reel when a 30+ fish is in the current!

Clark