About the Yallarhammer Trout Fly

The exact origin and birth date of the Yallarhammer pattern has apparently been lost in the mists of pre-recorded North American history. Unfortunately, American Indians did not have written languages and passed their histories and customs down as oral histories. It is generally accepted that it was the Cherokees who first brought down a Yellow-shafted Flicker with a blowgun, wrapped its bright quill around a hook, and caught a trout. Maybe they first tied the fly as they tied the deer hair fly, reverse Palmer style. However, the Cherokee as an invader of the Southeastern United States may have simply adapted what those they drove out already were doing. Nevertheless, whatever the particulars it is clear that the Yallarhammer fly pattern pre-dated European settlement of the America. One early written description of the style of tying the Yallarhammer is outlined in a letter from J. H. Stewart, Jackson, MS, 1887 to Mary Orvis Marbury (yes that Orvis). This letter was later published in Ms. Marbury’s book “Favorite Flies and Their Histories”. "The two specimen flies which I enclose you will see are reversed hackles, made by cutting narrow strips of deerskin with the hair left on, wrapped around the hook a few times, and well tied at each end. The North Carolina Indians (Cherokee) tie them to perfection, using some sort of cement or waterproof varnish over the thread, and for the bodies the various colors and length of hair from different skins, but usually rather stiff hair, preferring it from the deer's legs. They often cut the hair off and use it without the skin, but made in this way the flies are not as durable. They use feathers occasionally in the same way…" The original Yallarhammer pattern is generally bel

Expert Tip:

This is an extremely easy fly to tie. Fishing it is equally simple. Cast down and across stream and strip the fly back in short (2 to 3 inch) movements. This is an especially good fly for streams having high and discolored water as the fly pushes lots of water and therefore makes quite a commotion allowing the fish to find the fly easily.

Creator of this trout fly: Cherokee Indians

Tier of this trout fly: Bruce E Harang

Country of origin for this trout fly: America