Wagler’s Water Boatman

In early October 2001, Calgary's fly fishing community lost a good friend, excellent spokesman, and top grade fly tyer. Tom Wagler was an active supporter and volunteer with Trout Unlimited Canada and a welcome visitor at Fish Tales. He is and will continue to be missed by those of us fortunate enough to have known him....

Ingredients, comment and tying instructions: Seamus Toner

Hook: Standard nymph hook such as a Daiichi 1530 in sizes 10 through 16 OR if you plan to fish it on the surface use a Daiichi 1180 in size 10 through 16.

Bead: Glass; clear pearl or white pearl

Thread: Uni-thread 6/0, black or dark brown

Back: Swiss straw, black or brown

Body: Dark brown Haretron blended with Dark hares ear

Legs: Black rubber legs

Beard: Brown

I didn’t know Tom the way some others did, but we certainly had some good talks in the shop. Tom was a regular, dropping by with a good joke, discussions about gear, fishing and its inner politics. When Tom chose to share some words of wisdom with me he’d always begin with "Young Seamus." It is these subtleties that I will remember most.

Tom tied his Water Boatman for the shop. Wagler’s Water Boatman is a popular pattern for lakes throughout the year and works exceptionally well in rivers during the fall. Studying the pattern, I’ve tried to figure out the recipe as accurately as I can. One thing I know for sure about Tom’s flies is that Tom didn’t use a bobbin. Instead he used a strand of thread and half-hitched several times throughout the tying of the fly. Try tying a fly like that!