Flies

WHISTLER

Origin

One of the most versatile fishing flies that we can have in our fly box is the Whistler that was developed by Dan Blanton of Morgan Hill, California.  Dan is a very well known author, instructor and lecturer that is one of the pioneers in saltwater fly fishing.  He is a contributing author to many national magazines and the author of several books. Has received several awards from the FFF and on April 13, 2002 he was inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame.
Dan is a member of the San Jose Fly Casters Club where he is active and participates in many of the club activities.  While living in that area, I was a member of that excellent club and went on monthly fish-outs with Dan to several areas such as the Delta Area and Pyramid Lake.  He is most helpful to all beginners to teach different techniques and how to have fun fly fishing.
He has developed several fly patterns for salt water and fresh water lake fishing and the Whistler is by far the most famous.  To read more about Dan check out his web site at http://www.danblanton.com

Pattern

  • Hook               --  plated saltwater sizes 2/0 and 4/0
  • Thread             --  red – Danville Fly-Master Plus
  • Eyes                  --  large silver bead chain
  • Snag Guard     --  wire or heavy monofilament
  • Underbody      --  0.030 lead wire – 8 to 10 wraps
  • Tail                  --  white buck tail and silver & pearl Flashabou
  • Wing                --  hot pink, white and purple buck tail
  • Shoulder flash  --  hot pink Crystal Flash
  • Side  Flash       --  rainbow Crystal Flash
  • Side Hackle     --  large grizzly hackle on each side as long as the tail
  • Collar               --  medium red chenille – two turns
  • Hackle             --  webby white saddle or neck hackles with a grizzly neck
  • hackle in front
  • Head                --  red thread tied behind and in front of the eyes

Tying Instructions

Visit Dan’s website for detailed instructions

Flies  Imitated

Various types of fresh and salt water bait fish

How to fish

Let the fly sink to the bottom, then strip in fast with two hands

Gary Kutz, Golden State Flycasters, November 2005