DEE STRIP-WINGS 25 



in their appearance, and somewhat limited in 

 their seasonal and geographical application. 

 They originate from that queen of salmon 

 rivers, the Aberdeenshire Dee, and are one 

 of the oldest types of patterns still sur- 

 viving. 



They are extensively used for the early 

 spring or late winter fishing in those clear, 

 cold rivers of the north-eastern portion of 

 Scotland, where they are very popular for 

 many reasons, not the least important of 

 which being their cheapness. (This is a by 

 no means subordinate consideration, as anyone 

 who has fished in a blustering spring gale can 

 fully testify.) 



In the early part of the season, when the 

 temperature of the water is not far removed 

 from freezing-point, " Dee strip- wings" are used 

 dressed on very large irons, 3 inches being a not 

 uncommon length.* These unusually large 

 sizes are found expedient for the reason that, 

 owing to the lightness of their dressing, the 

 flies sink deeper, and are therefore more likely 

 to come within the range of vision of fish 



* Mr. Kelson, in " Tips/' speaks of having dressed them 

 on 6-inch irons, and killing fish therewith. 



