The Kate is one of the few classic salmon flies that is claimed to be created by a woman, and what a fabulous contribution it is to the world of salmon flies. Kelson relates that a certain Mrs. Courtney (Former Miss Daly?) was responsible for its creation, and that the Kate was one of the best flies on the river Tyne. Sir Herbert Maxwell states that this lovely fly was quite popular on the river Tweed, and also that it would be hard to find a better fly whatever the river.
Needless to say there are numerous versions of the Kate including those by Sir Herbert Maxwell, Francis Francis, and T. E. Pryce Tannatt. Kelson's pattern is the version described below.


The Dressing:(view photo)

Tag: Silver twist and light yellow silk..
Tail: A topping.
Butt: Black Ostrich herl.
Body: Two turns of crimson silk floss followed by crimson seal's fur..
Ribs: Oval silver tinsel.
Hackle: A crimson dyed hackle from the second turn.
Throat: Light yellow cock's hackle.
Wings: (Thin) Grey mallard, golden pheasant tippet, bustard, golden pheasant tail, swan dyed light yellow, crimson and light blue; and mallard.
Sides: Jungle Cock.
Topping: Golden pheasant crest.
Horns: Blue and yellow Macaw.
Head: Black.

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