Stan Davis and I hereby invite you to begin turning the pages of this modest contribution to Oregon's fly fishing culture. We think you'll smile and nod your head – when you see a close-up view of 75 flies tied by Stan, accompanied by his unvarnished recollection about the waters he's fished throughout the last 60 years. If you're looking for a selection of traditional flies crafted and fished by one of Oregon's unheralded "fly fishing giants", there's no better place to to start than right here. Although Stan would say that I've been too generous , I look at Stan and see a humble, talented, and dedicated teacher: he's a quick learner, an astute fly artist, and generous to the core. You’re about to see over 75 for Stan's flies featured in vivid color photos, learn the materials needed to tie the fly, and hear stories about fly anglers who grew up here in Oregon – without YouTube – tying and adapting regional and local patterns that were effective in their local waters. Stan’s flies swim true, sink when they are supposed to , float as high as they should, have the right proportion, and they catch fish. The flies you’ll find here are some of the best I’ve seen in the past 60 years. These patterns are proven to catch trout, steelhead , salmon, and sea-run cutthroat . These are flies suited to fish in set largest rivers, smallest creeks, lakes, beaver ponds, and estuaries. You’ve never seen Stan’s flies in a book before, because Stan Davis isn’t famous. He’s worked all his life in the wood product industry and raised his family – only able to tie flies and go fishing in his spare time. Along the way, he’s developed great skill as a tyer, explored some of Oregon’s great fishing waters, and done all this without making a fuss about his accomplishments. This is why I’m so pleased to present Stan’s Honest Flies in this book. None of these patterns were tied to sell new tying materials, earn royalties, promote a guide service, or sell expensive tackle. It saddens me that so many of the popular fly books these days promote fishing in Alaska, BC, Chile, and even Russia. Many of the shiny-cover fly books promote flies that are ovferly stuffed with Rubber, flash, beads, the newest synthetic materials, and are principally tied to inflate egos and make us think that we won’t catch fish unless we have the latest and greatest new gizmos lashed onto our hooks. These flies in Stan's book and the places described in these stories represent Oregon’s true angling history and deserve to be remembered. All my like-age friends grew up in an era where: The Internet didn’t exist. - No YouTube. - Our printed textbook was the Herter’s Catalog. - We learned to fish from Field & Stream. - Most of us taught ourselves to tie flies and fly fish. This book will preserve a record of Stan’s flies – the angling world will be a better place if people are able to share these pictures and Stan’s stories. I am proud to help show these flies to our fellow tyers . Starting with this book of Stan Davis’ flies , I’ll be creating a series of similar books, with each featuring the Honest Flies of other tyers whose work would otherwise be forgotten – Books nearly published include Volume 2- Jeff Hunter ; Volume 3 - Henry Hoffman : volume 4 Joe Howel l; and Volume 5 - Dale Greenley . I love the prospect of making their contributions to Oregon flyfishing culture accessible to people who would otherwise never see them. Stan & I close now - with our thanks for your kind patience and support. Jay W. Nicholas