Fly Pattern Dictionary: The Infallible
The Infalliable is a classic Atlantic Salmon fly developed by George M. Kelson
When it comes to Victorian-era salmon fly tying, few names carry the specific weight and authority of George M. Kelson. His 1895 The Salmon Fly is a cornerstone text, a blueprint for the intricate art that captured the imagination of anglers and collectors. Within its detailed pages, there are so many historically interesting patterns. The following is an analysis of "The Infallible."
The Reputation: A "Well-Known Old Standard"
Kelson did not view "The Infallible" as an experimental or whimsical dressing. In his own words, it was a "well-known old standard" fly, a reliable killer with a proven history across many classic beats in the United Kingdom. While its title, "The Infallible," may seem like an act of confidence, Kelson backed up the name with observations. He specifically linked its effectiveness to low-water conditions on challenging rivers like the Shannon. If Kelson included it in his primary work, it was because it earned its place.
The Blueprint: Meticulous in Every Turn
Kelson’s dressing for “The Infallible” is complex, requiring precision in every component. Unlike some of his general flies, this one has specific sectional body work that defines its performance.
Dressing Notes (The complete Kelson list)
Tag: Silver twist and light blue silk.
Tail: A Golden Pheasant topping.
Butt: Black herl (ostrich).
Body: Four turns of claret silk, followed by dark yellow silk.
Ribs: Broad silver tinsel.
Hackle: A claret hackle, from the claret silk portion of the body.
Throat: Jay feather.
Wings: Two Golden Pheasant tippet feathers, placed back to back. These are capped with Golden Pheasant tail, Bustard, Peacock wing, red Macaw, blue Macaw, and a topping.
Sides: A narrow strip of Summer Duck (Wood Duck).
Horns: Blue Macaw.
Head: Black herl.
Other Information
The best "other information" comes from Kelson's own notes on how and where to fish it. While many flies were general attractors, Kelson often linked patterns to specific conditions or locations.
River Shannon Specialty: Kelson explicitly lists "The Infallible" as "an excellent low-water fly on the Shannon." This is a key insight. Low water often meant clearer water, which requires a fly with a strong profile but non-overpowering color. The claret body/hackle combination excels here.
A "Kelson Standard": This classification tells us something about its reputation. Kelson labeled a core group of flies as his reliable, "go-to" standards. "The Infallible" was not just an experimental oddity but a proven killer that he deemed essential for a proper fly box. It was a general favorite throughout Scotland and Wales.
Missing From Other Important Works
It is important to note that Kelson is by far the most significant source for this pattern. This fact is informed by a lack of mention in other important works.
Not a "Pryce-Tannatt Pattern": While T.E. Pryce-Tannatt (in How to Dress Salmon Flies, 1914) documented a vast number of flies, he was known for simplifying and modernizing dressings. "The Infallible" did not make his final cut of standard patterns, suggesting he may have seen it as slightly too complex or perhaps an "old standard" that had fallen out of favor with his particular style of fishing.
Lack of Hale Documentation: This pattern is also notably absent from J.H. Hale’s seminal works. Its exclusion from two classic salmon fly references reinforces the notion that "The Infallible" is a distinctly "Kelson pattern” and ties it to his specific legacy.