The Bronze Greenwells North Country Spider: A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic

There are few fly patterns that boast both charm and effectiveness of North Country Spiders.  The flies now known as soft hackles have stood the test of time, and their origins date back to the 18^th-century England.  Beloved because of their simplicity, versatility, and at the time access to materials captivating generations of anglers over the decades.  The Bronze Greenwells North Country Spider is a modern twist on the classic design that makes it an irresistible choice for fly tiers and anglers alike.

A Brief History of North Country Spider Flies

The North Country Spider Style of flies emerged from the moors and rivers of northern England, and developed by anglers who sought effective, minimalist patterns to imitate emerging aquatic insects. The early examples of these patterns were tied with natural materials sourced locally—partridge feathers, silk threads, and dubbing at times. The slim body profile and soft flowing hackle allowed these flies to pulse naturally in the water, and mimicked the subtle motion of mayflies, caddisflies, and midges.

For centuries, these patterns have gained a reputation as deadly effective trout flies. Fish them across still waters to your favorite river or stream during hatches where fish are rising to feed.  The simple design and construction help create a great life like appearance solidifying their place in the fly fishing world.

The Bronze Greenwells: A Modern Marvel

Enjoy a refreshing new take on the famed Greenwells North Country Spider with the Bronze Greenwells North Country Spider.  This pattern effectively maintains the elegance of its predecessor while introducing a subtle bronze sheen that adds visual appeat and enhances its effectiveness as a go to pattern during an Calibeatis hatch.

With a sparse body of bronze tinsel, with a subtle ribbing of brown tying wire to create a realistic semgmented body.  The soft hackle for the greenwellls is very distinct and is a ginger badger colored feather that gives the very unique look of the Greenwells pattern.  These chicken hen feathers are soft and help breathe life into this fly as it is naturally drifted on the swing, or as it begins to rise at the end of your drift or swing. This deadly combination of tradition and contemporary elements helps create a fly that is as effective as it is beautiful.

Bronze Greenwells North Country Spider Fly Tying Tutorial:

Bronze Greenwells North Country Spider Materials List:

One of the joys of the Bronze Greenwells is how rewarding it is to tie. Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials:

• Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz14-20
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Burnt Orange
• Body: Semperfli Holo Tinsel Bronze 1/69"
• Ribbing: Semperfli 0.1mm Fine Fly Tying Wire Brown
• UV Resin: Solarez Bone Dry (or use head cement) Optional
• Thorax: Moonlit Fly Fishing Beaver Dry Fly Dubbing Rust Brown
• Hackle: India Hen Neck Greenwells (Furnace can be substituted)
• UV Pen: Moonlit Fly Fishing Quick Dry UV Pen

Check out the Bronze Greenwells North Country Spider Fly Tying Kit Here>>>

Fishing the Bronze Greenwells

This pattern really shines during a Calibeatis or March Brown hatch.  Calibeatis mayflies are known to be prolific in slow-moving streams and stiller water.  They help provide a reliable food source for hungry fish.  The fly’s bronze body and supple soft hackle fibers mimic the shimmering wings and delicate motion of an emerging insect, and help to entice hungry fish.

You can fish it with a traditional wet-fly swing allowing the current to carry the fly naturally through the water column.  You can also use a slow retrieve to impart subtle motion, and mimics an emerging mayfly.  Whether you are targeting wild browns in chalk streams, hungry rainbows in a high country lake, or your favorite fish that is native to your area this pattern is sure to deliver!

The Adventure Awaits

By tying and fishing patterns such as the Bronze Greenwells North Country Spider you are creating a connection to the centuries-old fly-fishing and tying tradition.  Each wrap of thread and material carries the legacy of anglers and tiers who tirelessly worked to perfect their craft on England's storied rivers.  When you tie this fly you aren’t just preparing for a day on the water, you are embracing your next great adventure.

So with that make sure to select your materials, or snag our Bronze Greenwells Fly Tying Kit and craft your own magic.  From the satisfaction of tying your fly to the thrill of the take, the Bronze Greenwells promises to help create an experience and adventure that will keep you coming back for more.