JACKSON, Wyo. — Flylords, which touts itself as the definitive online magazine for all things fly fishing, has released a list of top names for the loyal dogs of anglers.
“Naming a dog is just as important as picking the right fly,” the article reads. “You want something that lets the world know that you actually fly fish.”
The No. 1 winner on the list was Winston. Alluding to the stalwart fly-rod manufacturer R.L. Winston out of Montana, this dog name will surely class up anyone’s fishing companion.
“Often a distinguished gentleman, Winston is always by your side,” the article reads. “He prefers chewing on the most expensive tennis balls, retrieving the finest of sticks and wearing leather collars over nylon ones.”
The next three on the list are Trout, Brookie and River — all very fitting for an angler’s buddy, even if a bit overt. The next two in the top 10 are slightly more subliminal options: Sage and Dolly. Sage references another fly fishing gear maker, and Dolly points to the red-bellied Dolly Varden trout.
Rounding out the list are some plays on specific fly fishing equipment. Woolly, Tippet, Bugsy and Drake should never be left at home on fishing day — not just the dogs. A woolly bugger is one of the most versatile flies in any angler’s collection. A fly should be tied to a tippet at the end of the leader. Bugsy and Drake are great names for the angler who is really into tying their own flies, Drake being a reference to a species of mayfly.
“Just like the real thing, [Bugsy is] most active when the hatch is on,” the list reads. “If you like to dabble in entomology, Bugsy might just be the perfect name for your pup.”
Runners-up include Adams, Prince, Nymph, Griffith and Smolt.
