The Sheep Fly is Appalachian pattern developed by Newland Saunders of Lenoir, North Carolina during the 1950’s. This vintage pattern was tied to imitate a small gray fly commonly found around sheep herds or South Appalachia. However, the fly also imitates crane fly larvae, stickbait, and large emerging mayflies. [1]
The Sheep Fly is often attributed to Cap Wiese, headmaster of the Patterson School found just outside of Lenoir, NC and first president of Trout Unlimited North Carolina. Though Cap did develop some notable flies such as the Early Nelson. The confusion may be the result of it being one of Cap’s favorite flies. It was also a favorite of Don Howell. Kevin Howell writes on his website “If I had to choose one fly to fish for trout with for the rest of my life with this would be the fly. It was originally tied by Newland Saunders from Lenoir, NC to imitate a grey fly that is commonly found around sheep. Over the flies 60 year life span is has been modified a few times, after learning more etymology we have come to realize that the sheepfly imitates three different food groups, it looks like a Cranefly larvae, a stickbait, and a large emerging mayfly. My favorite sizes are an 8 and 10 but I fish it from a (size) 4-16.”
Jim Casada writes in his latest book: “…that Cap Wiese, the headmaster of Patterson School, was catching big trout with his Sheep Fly along with taking pioneering steps to give a fledgling conservation organization, Trout Unlimited, a foothold in the state.“
The original pattern also included a peacock herl head and a fine copper wire wrapped around the body. [2]
“Another historic fly in my Great Smoky Mountain series, the Sheep Fly was created by Newland Saunders of Lenoir, NC. This heavily weighted nymph imitates the deer flies of the region– if you’re not familiar with deer flies, think of biting horse flies. That’s a deer fly.” [3]
The sheepfly has been around since the 1950’s. The Sheep fly has found a home in the box of every well known trout angler of the region. Don Howell who popularized the fly in the 80’s often said if had to choose only one fly to fish the rest of his life with the Sheepfly would be his choice. We have used this fly to win tournaments and catch Trout around the world. [5]
Recipe:
Hook: Streamer hook (2XL/2XH) or nymph hook (weighted with lead wraps)
Thread: Black
Tail: Brown hen hackle
Body: Dubbing muskrat or equiv. in Adams grey
Hackle: Brown hen hackle
Wing: Grizzly hackle tips
[1] Hatches & Fly Patterns of the Great Smoky Mountains, Don Kirk, Stackpole Books, 2014.
[2] http://www.rockyrivertu.org/sheep-fly.html
[3] http://savageflies.com/the-sheep-fly-southern-appalachian-great-smoky-mountain-pattern/
[4] https://gardenandgun.com/articles/five-classic-southern-trout-flies/
[5] https://shop.davidsonflyfishing.com/sheepfly/