This fly is was named after Walt Thorsen who, according to the story, took five fish on it the first day he used it in the Eel river. Also, according to the story, all the fish put together did not weigh over six pounds. Jim Pray of Eureka, California invented the fly in 1936. It is said that Pray was looking for a fly that had the same color scheme as the Royal Coachman and this is what he came up with.
Hook: Up eye salmon hook.
Tail: Orange hackle barbs.
Body: Red chenille.
Collar: Brown hackle.
Wing: White deer hair or polar bear.
Hook: Up eye salmon hook.
Tail: Orange hackle barbs.
Body: Red chenille.
Collar: Brown hackle.
Wing: White deer hair or polar bear.