The Silver Wilkinson

The Silver Wilkinson, originally commissioned in 1843 by William Henderson, is a classic salmon fly pattern with a rich history and a bit of mystery surrounding its true origins. While James Wright was the first to tie a fly with a similar description for Henderson, it is the renowned P.S. Wilkinson's name that has become most closely associated with the modern iteration of the fly. Some sources also credit Canon William Greenwell, famous for the Greenwell’s Glory, with contributing to the development of the pattern. The Silver Wilkinson’s sleek design, featuring a silver body and iridescent wing, became a staple in salmon fishing for its ability to attract fish in various water conditions. Over time, the pattern evolved, but its essential characteristics have remained unchanged. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the most effective and iconic salmon flies in use.

Fishing the Fly at Depth: The Silver Wilkinson is particularly effective when fished deeper in the water column. Try using a sinking line or weighted leader to get the fly to the right depth, especially when fishing for salmon that are holding deeper in the water during their migratory runs.