Haig-Brown Flies Fly Tying Challenge
Basic Information
Roderick Haig-Brown Fly Tying: 50th Anniversary Commemorative Challenge
“A river is water in its loveliest form… it has life and sound and movement and infinity of variation.” — Roderick Haig-Brown
To celebrate 50 years of conservation and the profound legacy of Roderick Haig-Brown fly tying, we invite the global angling community to participate in a special commemorative tribute. Since his passing in 1976, Haig-Brown has remained the moral compass for fly fishers across British Columbia and beyond.
In 1998, Canada Post immortalized his contribution to the craft with a stamp collection featuring his most iconic fly patterns. These flies—the Steelhead Bee and the Coho Blue—are more than just lures; they are a bridge between generations of fishers. Engaging in Roderick Haig-Brown fly tying today is an act of historical preservation and artistic reverence.
The Art and History of Roderick Haig-Brown Fly Tying
As fishers, most of us know this great man through reading his many books, such as “A River Never Sleeps.” However, his influence at the vice was just as profound as his influence on the page. His patterns were designed with a deep understanding of entomology and fish behavior. The Steelhead Bee remains a legendary attractor pattern, known for its striking contrast in coastal rivers, while the Coho Blue exemplifies his philosophy of light-reflecting colors for silver salmon.
This Roderick Haig-Brown fly tying challenge serves as a way of remembrance for those “of a certain age,” and a vital introduction for the younger generation of fly fishers who may not be aware of his significant contributions to the sport. By sitting at the vice to recreate these historic patterns, we rekindle our passion and bridge the gap between past and future.
How to Join the Roderick Haig-Brown Fly Tying Challenge
If participating in this celebratory tribute appeals to you, simply send in a request to have a copy of the challenge particulars delivered to your inbox via PDF attachment. We invite you to recreate these designs with honor and craft.
Email your request to: RH-B50@outlook.com
About the Roderick Haig-Brown Legacy
Roderick Haig-Brown was a writer, magistrate, and conservationist who lived on the banks of the Campbell River. His writings helped shape the modern environmental movement. Through Roderick Haig-Brown fly tying, we celebrate a man who believed we are all temporary stewards of the natural world.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this 50th-anniversary event. Join us as we honor the traditions of Roderick Haig-Brown fly tying and keep his passion for the water alive. Visit the Haig-Brown Institute for more history on this legendary family.
