Franken Snaelda-Yellow/Black

The Franc N Snaelda is a new pattern from Sean Stanton, head ghillie on the Ballogie beats of the Aberdeenshire Dee.   It is an amalgamation of two of the most successful Atlantic Salmon fly patterns to have come from Iceland; the Frances and the Snaelda.  Regulars of Ballogie will know that Sean has long been an advocate of the Frances, both in red and black earning it the title of the top-producing fly on the Ballogie, Carlogie and Commonty beats on the Dee.

Likewise the Snaelda in the larger sizes has earned an excellent reputation as a Spring Salmon fly on the Dee, fished slow and deep.   Not yet as widely used on Scottish rivers during the summer months are the smaller versions in ¼ and ½ inch sizes.   Small and compact they have a chance to drop down a little deeper and can be a great way of ‘knocking on the door’ of an otherwise recalcitrant summer salmon.

With two superb fly patterns to consider over the winter months Sean, an innovative fly-tyer, made that retrospectively simple decision to combine the two salmon flies. The result is an effective and very attractive design and one that retains the key characteristics of both salmon flies. The dyed feelers give it an added ‘je ne sais quoi’.

Fly fishing for salmon is all about confidence and if recent results continue then you can expect to see the Franc N Snaelda making a regular appearance in both anglers fly boxes and in the game book!