Customer Reviews

Thunder Creek Flies: Tying and Fishing the Classic Baitfish Imitations

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My first streamer-caught fish were caught on Thunder Creek flies and despite all the new patterns that have been devised of late, I still always have some Thunder Creek minnows in my fly box. This new book not only shows you how to tye (15) old favorites, but has (8) new patterns. These patterns cover minnows found in different regional streams as well as stuff I've only seen in bait shop live tanks. The point here is that these patterns catch fish and if you don't know about them you should. The book contains beautiful photographs and all the patterns are gorgeously illustrated. Detailed tying instructions (including the use of new materials) are included and there is even a chapter on designing your own minnows. This is a great book.

The book is clearly written, and the photographs are clear and helpful. I did not give the book a higher rating because I feel that the author has made many meals out one basic recipe. One additional point: the author's recommended method for handling bucktail is so cumbersome that I tied the patterns using marabou, which you can do with any of the patterns. I also stick on prismatic eyes before applying the epoxy, which is less cumbersome than painting on the eyes afterward.

I purchased this book a couple of weeks ago and read it cover to cover. I have since reread several select sections of the book. The information presented gives the history of the Thunder Creek Streamers, how and why they were created, how they have evolved as time has passed and new materials have appeared. There are specific patterns with their recipes presented, along with the specific minnows & juvenile gamefish that they imitate. There are sufficient tying instructions given to complete any of the flies in the book. Most importantly, I believe, is the insight that Mr. Fulsher gives us into his thought patterns and goals as he designs his Thunder Creek streamers, such as the coloration of faint lateral lines, or how he emulates barred patterns seen on the real fish. This ideology gives the reader the necessary foundation to look in his/her "home" waters, and if needed, begin to make imitations of the native fish life found there. Keith Fulsher's narrative and Dave Klausmeyer's photography and editing combine to give us an updated classic that should be on every fly tiers bookshelf.

I don't know why every author that writes a fishing book about flies has to include pictures of fish he caught. Are they tyring to proof the worthiness of their flies. This book is backed full of frivolous pictures of captured fish. The data in the book is good, and instruction of fly tying methods excellent. Relationship of fly design to actual species is also valuable. Overall, if your interested in this fly style, I recommend the book, and it is a quick read because of all the filler pictures and unnecessary documentary.

Written and guided illustrations by the originator of the Thunder Creek Series, Kieth Fulsher. I enjoyed the history and reasoning Mr. Fulsher uses and his insights to properly dressing the flies. Great book, one to refer back too in my future.

This book is all you need to reproduce that timeless classic of Mr. Fulsher's, the "Thunder Creek" style of streamer. The text is friendly and highly informative, and the photography brings the instruction home to the reader like no other approach could.