A couple of months ago while looking for Bartleet Supreme CS10/2 Salmon Hooks, I came across the Partridge of Redditch Volume 6 catalogue; no Bartleet Supreme CS10/2’s there, only some photos (and still can’t find Bartleet Supreme CS10/2’s this side of the pond!)
However on page 5 (I think) or thereabouts, I came across the most beautiful fly I believe I have ever seen!
The description at the bottom left of the page says “Lien Blue. Hook Type CS10/2. Tied by Terry Griffiths.”
Since seeing this fly, I was very keen to tie up a few and now have, but after many many searches, I find almost no info on the ‘net about this fly.
The materials are easy enough to work out, but what is its history?
Is it a Salmon or Sewin/Sea-trout pattern, or one designed for Steelhead or Pacific Salmon?
I am aware that Terry Griffiths passed away two years ago. I also know Terry co-authored several books and compiled and edited ‘The Essential Kelson’, but apart from Griffith’s ‘Gnat Emerger’ and a mention of Terry’s favourite flies ( what were they?), I find very little about the man and his fly tying and fly fishing passion.
Specifically, nothing about this gorgeous fly with the light blue body, flat silver mylar tag, oval silver rib, bright orange G.P Tippet tail, Peacock blue neck feather wing and bright red hackle.
On the Forum at ClassicFlyTying this posting appears:
“Posted 12 August 2016 - 06:03 PM
Author, professional photographer, editor of the Fly Dressers Guild magazine for 15 years, fly tyer extraordinaire, fly fisher, mentor etc etc passed away earlier today, details are scant at the time of writing, but I’ve only just found out through facebook.  He’d not been well for several years, with diabetes complications etc.  My thoughts to his family & close friends.”
I am still on the trail of the Lien or Illien Blue; anyone know of this fly’s history? Seen Terry tie it? tied it yourself? Fished it?