Like a soft-hackled Pheasant Tail, the Sandy Moorgame can look like nothing in particular, but a lot of things in general. Think smaller mayfly nymphs (this is a terrific pattern to place as the top dropper in your nymph rig) and little brown stones when you tie on this classic North Country spider. I have no proof, but in any given year I’m guessing that I’m the only angler on the Farmington River fishing the Sandy Moorgame. (You should do something about that.)
Sandy Moorgame
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Hook: Wet or dry fly 14-18
Body: Dark brown silk
Wings: Hackled with a dark reddish-brown feather from the back of a grouse
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Tying Notes: Simplicity rules the day. If you’re being a stickler for authenticity, use English grouse, which is different from some of the other grouse skins available. You could dress the fly more heavily than I’ve done here (two wraps of hackle) — try three or four for some extra wings/legs creepy crawly emerger action. You can find a general North Country spider video tutorial here.
currentseams.com 
Steve—
Your post inspired me to tie my first Sandy Moorgame.
Also my first tie with new bobbin spacers for Pearsall’s silk.
:: Thanks, Jim ::
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James Taylor Thetford, Vermont
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Way to go, James!
Nice tie. I like a simple Pheasant Tail body with English Grouse hackle.
Add a fine copper wire rib and I’ll take a dozen…
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