Freight Train
Fly: Andy Simon, photograph: Hans Weilenmann
Hook: Mustad salmon fly hook, size 4-6
Thread: 3/0 black uni-thread
Tail: Purple Hackle Fibers
Rib: Small silver tinsel
Body: Orange floss, Then Pink Pheasant tail, followed by peacock
Wing: White calf tail
Note: This fly was not designed by me or by any local fishermen. The great Randal Kauffman designed this fly, and popularized it on the famous steelhead rivers of Oregon. But I am including it because it has special value to me. This is the pattern I took my first steelhead on, while fishing the Deschutes River with my dad.

Fish this fly using a down and across method, let it swing until it is fully below you, then pick up and cast again. This method is very methodical, and sometimes you will forget that you are even fishing at all. Cast, swing, step, and repeat. A peaceful rhythmic motion you soon become absorbed with. You realize what this sort of fishing is about - a solitary game, worlds apart from common trout fishing. There are no loud fisherman and their rude guides who care nothing about the river or its needs. It’s just you, and the fish


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© 2004 Hans Weilenmann
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