Don
Kelly
Pennsylvania
My name is Don Kelly. I'm
15 years old (2003) and have been fishing since I was 3. I live in Downingtown, PA.
My home waters include the Brandywine Creek, Marsh Creek and Marsh Creek Lake.
I also do a lot of fishing up north in Fishing Creek, Penn's Creek, with an
addition of Elk, Spring, and Spruce Creeks on occasion. Right now, I'm still in
school but I have a job at a local bait store and also sell some custom rods
here and there.
I started fishing with bobbers and worms for bass and pan fish. That lasted a good 5 years before I discovered fly fishing. I started to learn to cast and fish a fly at that time but gave it up because I was absolutely horrible. Then, 3 years later, I started again and I was rearing to go. I wouldn't accept failure. From that day on I have really gotten into fishing.
My great grandfather was said to be one of the best fisherman in Pennsylvania back in the 1930’s. Since then, his legacy has been passed down a couple generations to me. I may not be the best but I’m out there putting forth my best effort.
Today, I'm a rod builder, fly tier, and most importantly a fisherman. My favorite flies include midges and nymphs. I find so much pleasure in tying these guys. Also, the midges in the 26-32 range are really fun to fish. My best fish on a size 32 was a 23 inch brown up in fishing creek.
Note by Ed Gallop: I have seen Don's work up close and he shows an exceptional talent and patience in the art of fly tying. He is a natural if there ever was one.
Select One of Don's Flies:
Don's Hopper
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Tier: Don Kelly
Thread:
White 10/0. Tail:
Two splayed dun Microfibbetts. Body: Olive Superfine dubbing. Wing: Olive
CDC. Select Another Fly: Return
to Don's Introduction.
Tier: Don Kelly
Thread: 8/0 White. Tail: Two splayed white
microfibetts. Body: Quill dyed
Sulphur. Wing: CDC dyed Sulphur Orange -tied in comparadun style. Head: Orange superfine dubbing. Select Another Fly: Return
to Don's Introduction.
Tier: Don Kelly
Thread: White 10/0. Tail:
Two splayed white microfibetts. Body: Creme superfine dubbing. Wing: Near hair tied spent. Head: Cream superfine dubbing.
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to Don's Introduction.
(No-See-Um)
Tier: Don Kelly
Thread: Black 10/0. Body: Peacock
herl. Wing: Neer hair.
Sorry about the
poor quality picture but a size #32 is a tiny fly and difficult to get good
resolution.
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to Don's Introduction.
Tier: Don Kelly
Thread:
10/0 White. Tail: White hackle fibers. Body: Cream Superfine dubbing. Wings: Lemon
woodduck flank. Hackle: Cream.
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to Don's Introduction. 
for your tying needs.
Hook: TMC 518 (#32).
Hook: Daiichi 1180 (#14).
Hook: Mustad size 22.
Hook: TMC 518 (#32).
Hook: Mustad size 18.
Tier: Don Kelly
Hook: Mustad size 22
Thread: Black 10/0.
Body: Olive Larva Lace.
Thorax: Grey Hare-Tron dubbing.
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(Realistic Black Stone)
Tier: Don Kelly
Hook: Daiichi 1180(#14).
Thread: Black 10/0.
Tail: Two splayed black pheasant fibers.
Body: Black Larva Lace.
Eyes: Broom bristles melted to cone shapes on either side.
Legs: Black Japanese fly tying legs or black broom bristles bent to shape.
Thorax: Black rabbit dubbing.
Wing cases (3): Goose wing.
Antennae: Black pheasant tail.
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Tier: Don Kelly
Hook: Daiichi 1180 (#14).
Thread: Black 8/0.
Tail: Brown goose biots.
Body: Peacock herl.
Ribbing: Silver tinsel.
Hackle: Brown hen saddle.
Wing: White goose biots.
Note: Beadhead is optional.
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Tier: Don Kelly
Hook: Mustad size 16.
Thread: Black 8/0.
Wing: Olive Superhair or olive bucktail.
Eyes: Silver bead chain.
Note: This fly can be tied in many different color. It is especially effective during the start of a hatch or when nothing is hatching at all. Also you might want to epoxy the eyes, because the fly really can be torn up by the teeth of a large brown.
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Return to Don's Introduction.
Tier: Don Kelly
This is a realistic hopper tied by Don that deserves recognition. Most realistic flies are fragile and must be handled carefully. However, this fly is constructed solid and well proportioned. Although it is not designed to fish, it could be.
Don is only a teenager (2003) and has proven to be a natural at fly tying. I think he may be recognized in the masterclass some day. He only needs time and recognition.
Ed Gallop
Be sure to visit our on-line store at
http://www.flytyingworld.com/angling/index.html
for your tying needs.