RICHARD HENRY WIGRAM

1903–1970

A fly fishing enthusiast, ‘Dick’ Wigram opened his own store designing flies specifically for local conditions, some of which became famous. Wigram placed great emphasis on developing functional flies such as the ‘Wigram’s Robin’, described as the quintessential Tasmanian wet fly. Another fly, the ‘Wigram’s Brown Nymph’ or ‘Pot Scrubber’, is perhaps the most famous Tasmanian nymph pattern from which many variations have been adopted. Through his fly tying pursuits Wigram became renowned as supplier of quality flies and is largely responsible for encouraging the commercial fly tying industry in Tasmania. Such was his passion for fly fishing, Wigram established and conducted adult education courses to pass on his knowledge and love of this pursuit to others. Wigram wrote for the Examiner for 38 years as well as being the author of several angling books of note, including The Shannon Rise: Tasmania’s Fishing Miracle, Nymph Fishing in the Southern Hemisphere, and Trout and Fly in Tasmania. Wigram was made a life member of both the Northern Tasmanian Fisheries Association in 1952 and the Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania in 1965.