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Fly Tying

an Enjoyable Hobby

by David & Cheryl Young


Fly Tying: an Enjoyable Hobby / David W. and Cheryl Young

Copyright 2008 by David W. and Cheryl Young. First published in 2008 by Honeybear
Press, LLC. 697 Shepherds View Trail, Corvallis, Montana 59828.
ISBN 0-9776703-5-X

All rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the
consent of the authors, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews. All inquires
should be addressed to: www.bigtrout2004@earthlink.net

Special thanks to Dawn Fox for editing.

2 Terrestrials
David W. Young first started tying
flies in 1955. My information came from a
book published by the old retailer Herters. I
bought my materials from them and I recall
receiving loose hackle packaged in a brown
paper lunch bag. It took me longer to find the
right hackle than to tie a fly.
I was hooked on tying when I caught
an 8 pound rainbow on my very first fly. It
was a Mickey Fin tied with feathers instead of
hair. I have been an avid tier ever since.
This hobby guided me to a career as a
dentist. I love creating things with my hands.
Now I relish designing new flies to match the
many waters that I enjoy fishing.
Pictured is my beloved Grande Ronde
River. I just paddled down to my favorite hole
to skate dries and to grease line damp flies.
I hope that this book helps you be-
come a better fly fisherman.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 3


Dry Flies
Adams.........................................................32
Adult Midge................................................34
Blue Wing Olive BWO...............................35
Callibaetis...................................................36
CDC BWO Biot Dun..................................38
CDC Caddis................................................40
CDC Yellow Sally.......................................41
Compara Dun..............................................42
Elk Hair Caddis...........................................43
Elk Hair Caddis Grizzly..............................44
Elk Hair Mayfly..........................................45
Goddard Caddis..........................................46
Gray Drake Spinner....................................47
Gray Caddis................................................48
Green Drake................................................49
Griffith’s Gnat.............................................50
Henry’s Fork Caddis...................................52
Hexagenia Mayfly.......................................54
Humpy........................................................56
Irresistible...................................................57
Light Cahill.................................................58
Mayfly Spinner...........................................59
Mosquito.....................................................60
Pale Morning Dun PMD.............................62
Parachute Adams.........................................63
Partridge Caddis..........................................64
Royal Coachman . ......................................66
Royal Coachman Downwing......................68
Royal Wulff.................................................69
Salmon Fly Dry...........................................70
Sparkle Spinner...........................................72
Stimulator Caddis.......................................76
Yellow Sally................................................77

4 Table of Contents
Bass & Panfish
Bass Woolly Bugger...................................80
Bass Worm.................................................81
Deer Hair Popper.......................................82
Foam Beetle...............................................84
Foam Popper..............................................85

Pacific Salmon

King Salmon......................................... 88
Rogue River Chinook Salmon.............. 89

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 5


Nymphs
Aquatic Worm (tan)...................................92
Aquatic Worm (red)...................................93
Bead Head Prince Nymph..........................95
Big Yellow Mayfly.....................................96
Brassie........................................................97
Caddis Worm..............................................98
Canadian Leech..........................................99
Crayfish....................................................100
Callibaetis Nymph...................................102
CDC Dun Emerger...................................105
Damselfly Nymph....................................106
Deep Caddis Pupa....................................109
Diving BWO............................................108
Diving Mayfly Egg-Layer........................110
Dragonfly Nymph.................................... 111
Floating Nymph.......................................112
Golden Stonefly Nymph..........................113
Gray Drake Nymph..................................114
Hare’s Ear Clinger....................................115
Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle.............................116
Hare’s Ear Swimmer................................117
Lake fly Emerger......................................118
Midge Emerger........................................120
Midge Larva.............................................122
Peeking Caddis.........................................124
Pheasant Tail Clinger...............................126
Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle........................127
PMD Nymph............................................128
Prince Nymph..........................................130
Salmon fly ( Stonefly) Nymph.................132
San Juan Worm........................................134
Serendipity...............................................136
Scud.........................................................137
Soft Hackle Olive.....................................138
Sow Bug...................................................139
Werner’s Shrimp......................................140
WD 40......................................................142
Woolly Worm...........................................143
Zelon Caddis Pupa...................................144
Zelon Mayfly Emerger.............................145
Zug Bug...................................................146
6 Table of Contents
Salmon/ Steelhead
Bomber................................................150
Green Butt skunk Purple.....................152
Glo-Bug..............................................154
Polar Shrimp.......................................156
Purple Steelhead..................................158
Red Butt Skunk...................................160
Skunk..................................................162
Wally Waker........................................164

Salt Water
Clouser.......................................... 168
Crazy Charlie................................ 169
Deceiver........................................ 170
Tarpon........................................... 171

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 7


Streamers ( Baitfish)
Black Nose Dace................................. 174
Brown Trout Bead chain..................... 175
Chub Streamer.................................... 176
Clouser................................................ 177
Egg Sucking Leech............................. 178
Matuka Streamer................................. 179
Mickey Finn........................................ 180
Muddler Minnow Chickabou.............. 181
Muddler Minnow................................ 182
Platte River Special . ......................... 184
Rainbow Trout Bead chain.................. 185
Sculpin................................................ 186
Woolly Bugger.................................... 187
Zonker................................................. 188

Terrestrials

Ant..........................................................192
Beetle......................................................193
Cricket Foam...........................................194
Cricket (hair)...........................................195
Foam Hopper Wings...............................196
Hopper (hair)...........................................197
Simple Foam Hopper..............................198

8 Table of Contents
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 9
10 Fundamentals
Fundamentals

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 11


Fly Selection
The advantage of fly tying is that you can
match the aquatic foods better in the waters that you
fish. Take the time to collect and sample the aquatic
foods and take them home to the tying bench. Next,
look through the 100 plus patterns listed in this book
and make the closest match.
Customize your flies with the correct color of
materials that match your samples. Pay close attention
to your fly’s size, shape, silhouette, and texture. Make
sure that the fly you tie matches these factors with the
natural. By doing this the flies you tie will be the best
ones for the water that you fish. You’ll catch more and larger fish.
In writing this book I have purposefully omitted the material colors. In the real world aquatic foods
take on their own specific coloration for the waters that they inhabit. Since these foods are constantly
preyed upon they must match their surroundings to survive. Usually aquatic foods are camouflaged to
match the weeds, rocks, and soil that they inhabit. When in doubt select a fly that is the same color of the
bottom.
Don’t be afraid to be creative in your tying. This effort in sampling the actual foods that fish are
accustomed to eating and matching them will pay off in larger and more fish. This process will make you a
better fisherman.
Fish feed upon a great variety of water and land born nourishments. An angler’s artificial flies are
designed to imitate these foods. Matching your fly to the specific fare that the fish are presently feeding
upon is key to success.
Land born foods are classified as terrestrials; consequently, water born foods are classified as aquat-
ics. The significant terrestrials are ants, grasshoppers, mice, moths, lizards, earthworms, beetles, and crick-
ets. The important aquatics are caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, midges, craneflies, dragonflies, damselflies,
crustaceans, forage fish, leeches and eels.
These natural foods can be imitated by today’s flies. But first the natural food must be identified.
Knowledge of what the fish are presently feeding upon is essential to select the right fly. Time spent observ-
ing before fishing is well spent.
Start by watching the waters surface for insect activity. Observe both the birds and the fish to see
what they are feeding upon. I carry a pair
of compact binoculars and use them often.
Then I collect a sample insect.
A small aquarium net can help col-
lect the insects. Place the net just under the
waters surface to catch the
actively hatching insects. Also use the net
to catch the air born ones.
Find a spider’s web and observe
its contents for a history of the available
insects.

12 Fundamentals
A stomach pump can remove the fish’s
recently ingested food. But first a fish must
be caught. The pump is sold in most fly shops
and is designed for its intended purpose. It is
simply a rubber bulb with a plastic tube. The
bulb injects a small amount of water into the
fish’s stomach and the pressure on the pump
is released sucking some of the fish’s ingested
food back into the bulb. Now squeeze the
bulbs contents back into your hand or into a
white container. Inspect the contents. A
major disadvantage is that the pump only re-
moves the small food items and not the large
ones lodged into the stomach. The pumps’
advantage is giving you the small presently
ingested insects for identification.
A large screen is useful in iden-
tifying the assortment of foodstuffs in a
stream. Such knowledge is useful when
purchasing or tying flies for the specific
stream. The screen is made by stapling a
three foot section of window screen to two
broom handles or one inch by two inch
slat boards. Place the screen downstream
from your waded position. Next, dislodge
or overturn rocks with your feet and allow
the debris to collect onto the screen. Take
the screen a shore and examine its con-
tents. It will contain a large sample of the
streams
aquatic
founds. Save its contents in small bottles filled with eighty percent alcohol
and twenty percent water.
Once the foodstuff is collected, try to identify them. Next, go through
your fly box and make a match. Choose a fly that mimics the foodstuffs
size, texture, color and shape. Imitate the foods action with the proper pre-
sentation and retrieve.
The size concerns the foodstuffs measurements in terms of thickness,
width, and length. Foods smaller than half an inch are best imitated as to
its exact length; on the other hand, foods larger than half an inch are best
imitated as to its exact thickness and width. Choose your fly selection ac-
cordingly. The texture is the overall feel as to the foods softness or rigidity.
A fish’s mouth readily detects texture and a too soft or too hard of a fly will
be readily rejected. While a good match will be ingested.
The shape is the foods silhouette. This outline is an important consideration in match-
ing the fly. Suggestive and impressionistic flies that match the foodstuffs three dimensional shape are the

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 13


most successful. Suggestive flies can match a multitude of possible foods. While sometimes exact imita-
tions restrict the number of matches.
The color match is helpful but it is not as important as the other elements of imitation. Natural foods
color and patterns can vary in shades and tones. Hence select your fly as to the general color pattern of the
natural.
Action, is the foodstuffs natural movement. The presentation and the retrieve mimics’ this motion.
Action depicts a living movement that fish key upon while feeding.
Volumes of text could be written on the huge variety of foodstuffs eaten by fish. There are thousands
of varieties of both land born and stream born insects. Try to classify your findings into one of the general
groups. Match the natural foods size, texture, color, action, and silhouette with one of your flies.

Tying Fundamentals

Thread Attachment
Wrap thread onto the hook shank from about 1mm behind the eye to the start of the hook bend. As
you evenly wind thread try avoiding both spaces and over wrapping thread. You may trim off tag end after
about 10 wraps.

14 Fundamentals
Tails: Hair (Deer, Calf, Moose, Elk) (Flared)
Wrap thread onto the hook shank from about 1mm behind the eye to the start of the hook bend. Tie
in the hair tail material by making two loose wraps followed up with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Continue with ad-
ditional tight wraps right to the base of the tail. These tight wraps will compress the hollow hair and flare
those outwards.
Continue wrapping the hair forward to where the body is expected to end. This provides an even
base for the body.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 15


Wing: (Wet Fly Down Wing) (Yarn Hair)
Select yarn or hair and position it with tip ends rearward. If hair is used, clean away fuzz and short
hairs.
Wrap with 2 loose windings followed up with 3 to 5 tight windings. After the loose wraps the wing
can be repositioned or its length can be adjusted.
Pull excess base material upwards and clip closely parallel with hook shank. Wrap wing bases with
thread.
Place a drop of thin head cement to penetrate and to additionally secure wing.

Note: Wing should be slanted 45˚ backwards. If needed, tie in thread behind wing to reposition it upright.

16 Fundamentals
Hackles (Dry Fly Traditional)
Select hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Cut stem at junction with webby and stiff fibers.
Strip away fibers exposing 2 to 3mm of stem. Tie in stem with 2 loose wraps to place, followed up with 3
to 5 tight thread wraps. Concave side of hackle is opposite of body.
Wind hackle evenly forward to 1mm behind hook eye. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Cut
off to break away excess hackle. Short or slippery hackles require hackle pliers while long hackles can be
wound with fingers.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 17


Whip Finish
Whip finish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut off excess thread. Its easier than it
looks. Place thread on the “S” hook as shown and wrap thread around the shepherds hook. Then wind the
entire handle of the whip finisher in a clock wise rotation. Once the number of wraps are complete pull tag
end of thread and ease up on the shepherds hook by gently pulling it towards the fly’s head. Once there let
the thread slip off shepherds hook.

18 Fundamentals
Head Cement
Place a drop of head cement on knot and allow it to penetrate both the thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 19


Materials

Hackles
The far left hackles in both photos are saddle hack-
les. They are longer in length than the other 2 hackles.
Saddle hackles can come in stiff or soft fibers. The stiff
ones are best for dry flies because they soak up less mois-
ture. These hackles come in larger sizes and are used to tie
larger flies.
The center ones are neck hackles. Likewise they
can come in either stiff or soft webby fibers. The soft ones
soak moisture which helps sink the fly. Neck hackles come
in smaller sizes and are useful in tying smaller flies.
On the far right are found the hen hackles. They
are the softest and the webbiest of the 3 hackle types. They
work well for wet flies and for burnt wing dry flies.

20 Fundamentals
Feathers
Starting with the turkey tail in the upper left hand corner and travelling clockwise are the follow-
ing: ostrich plume, guinea hen hackle, wood duck flank feathers, pheasant tail (bottom), and peacock herl.
These feathers are used in tails, bodies, hackles, wing cases, and wings. Hence, these feathers are very use-
ful in creating lifelike flies.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 21


Hairs
The upper left is moose body hair and travelling clockwise are the following: elk, whitetail deer tail,
died whitetail, and deer hair. All are used in forming tails, wings, legs, and in spinning bodies. (except for
the whitetail tails because they spin and flare poorly) These hairs are hollow and provide some buoyancy to
the flies.

22 Fundamentals
Dubbing
The above is an assortment of natural furs and synthetics. These are used to form dubbed bodies by
the following method:
Wax thread with a light coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin amount of dubbing. Spread dubbing
fibers out evenly on thread. Twist dubbing evenly on thread with thumb and forefinger.
Wrap dubbed thread evenly forward to the front end of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
Note: it is common to either over or underestimate the dubbing amount. It is easy to add more dub-
bing or pinch off excess dubbing.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 23


Yarns and Chenilles
The upper 2 are chenilles while the lower right one is a mohair yarn and the lower left one is a wool
yarn. All are used to wrap bodies.

24 Fundamentals
Threads, Tinsels, Wires, and Floss
Upper left is a waxed thread and clockwise to it are the following: fine red wire, fine silver wire, flat
tinsel, oval tinsel, and red floss.
All are useful in securing wrappings, ribbing bodies and in providing coloration.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 25


Additional materials
Upper left is a pack of elastic legs and clockwise to it are the following: mylar tubing, foam tubing,
preformed foam bodies, zelon yarn, larva lace, and sparkle tinsel chenille.
These are useful materials for legs, bodies, and wings.

26 Fundamentals
Fly Tying Tools

These are my essential tools. They are: bench organizer, vise, whip finishers, bobkin needles, twee-
zers, hair stacker, scissors, bobbin with thread, head cement and applicator, wonder wax, bobbin threader,
and wing burner. Purchase quality tools and they will last for a lifetime. My vise is over 35 years old and
has tied thousands of flies. It works as well now as when it was new.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 27


Whip Finishers
Pictured are the Thompson Whip Finisher above and the Matarelli Whip Finisher below. They are
used to tie the whip finish knot which is the best knot to secure any wrapping. I prefer the Thompson to fin-
ish the head of the fly and I use the Matarelli to tie secure knots away from the head of the fly.

28 Fundamentals
Threads and Bobbins
Pictured are bobbins loaded with pre waxed thread. The wax helps the thread stay in place and
makes it easier to tie flies. Threads pictured are all different diameters. The fine 6/0 to 12/0 are used for the
smallest flies. The 3/0 are used as an all-around thread for a wide variety if sizes. The A size is used on the
largest flies.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 29


30 Terrestrials
Dry Flies

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 31


Adams

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings 2 grizzly hackle tips
Tails moose
Body dubbing
Hackle grizzly, brown

Wrap thread onto the Tie in 2 grizzly hackle tips Select hackle for proper
hook shank from about 1mm in an upright position and secure size and desired stiffness. Cut
behind the eye to the start of the with 5 tight wraps. Trim away stem at junction with webby and
hook bend. Tie in about a dozen excess. Divide wings by figure 8 stiff fibers. Strip away fibers
moose fibers and secure with 5 wrapping thread in between them. exposing 2 to 3mm of stem. Tie
tight wraps. in stem with 2 loose wraps to
place, followed up with 3 to 5
tight thread wraps. Concave side
of hackle is opposite of body.

Wax thread with a light Whip finish head with 4


coat of wonder wax. Apply a to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
thin amount of dubbing. Spread and cut off excess thread. Place
dubbing fibers out evenly on a drop of head cement on knot
thread. Wrap dubbed thread and allow it to penetrate both the
evenly forward to the front end thread base and hackle stems.
of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
tight wraps. Evenly wind both
hackles with wraps behind and
in front of wing.

32 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 33
Adult Midge

Fly Name
Hook 18-22
Thread black
Wings white closed cell foam
Tails grizzly hackle fibers
Body fine dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the Wax thread with a light Wrap dubbed thread
hook shank from about 1mm coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin evenly forward to the front end
behind the eye to the start of the amount of dubbing. Spread dub- of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
hook bend. Tie in the hackle ma- bing fibers out evenly on thread. tight wraps.
terial by making two loose wraps Twist dubbing evenly on thread Note: it is common to
followed up with 3 to 5 tight with thumb and forefinger. either over or underestimate the
wraps. Continue with additional dubbing amount. It is easy to
tight wraps right to the base of add more dubbing or pinch off
the tail. excess dubbing.

Tie in 2 strips of closed Whip finish head with 4 Trim foam wings in a tent
cell foam and angle the wings in to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly shaped pattern.
a 45˚ downward attitude. Posi- and cut off excess thread. Place
tion with 3 loose wraps then a drop of head cement on knot
secure with 5 tight wraps. and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and wing stems.
This is an effective winter midge pattern that is highly visible for its small size. The closed cell foam
makes it a great floater for all of those presentations used in fishing those narrow feeding lanes.

34 Dry Flies
Blue Wing Olive BWO

Fly Name
Hook 16-20
Thread black
Wings hen hackle
Tails grizzly hackle
Body dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the Evenly wind dubbed Prepare hen hackle by
hook shank from about 1mm thread to form both the abdomen cutting its stem and stripping
behind the eye to the start of the and the thorax. Secure with 5 away about 5mm of fibers from
hook bend. Tie in about a dozen tight wraps. the stem. Place evenly inside
hackle fibers and secure with 5 After body completion or wing burner and burn off excess
tight wraps. Select hackle and wing completion, evenly wind with flame. (Candle or lighter)
tie in at mid-shank with 5 tight hackle forward and tie off with 3 Tie in wing by its stems
wraps. Dub thread. to 5 tight thread wraps just behind with two loose wraps followed
(about 1mm) from hook eye. Cut up by 3 to 5 tight thread wraps.
off excess hackle with scissor After the loose wraps the wing
tips or pull hackle tip backward can be repositioned.
breaking off stem at windings. The wing will upright
itself after the tight wraps and the
hackles will help keep it upright.
If desired, two wings can
be tied in, but I’ve found that one
wing is sufficient. If two wings
are used, tie them in with the
convex sides together. This will
Whip finish head with 4 cause them to flare outward.
to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 35


Callibaetis

Fly Name
Hook 14-18
Thread black
Wings partridge
Tails hackle fibers
Body dubbing
Hackle ginger

Wrap thread onto the Evenly wind dubbed Prepare hen hackle by
hook shank from about 1mm thread to form both the abdomen cutting its stem and stripping
behind the eye to the start of the and the thorax. Secure with 5 away about 5mm of fibers from
hook bend. Tie in about a dozen tight wraps. the stem. Place evenly inside
hackle fibers and secure with 5 After body completion or wing burner and burn off excess
tight wraps. Select hackle and wing completion, evenly wind with flame. (Candle or lighter)
tie in at mid-shank with 5 tight hackle forward and tie off with Tie in wing by its stems with two
wraps. Dub thread. 3 to 5 tight thread wraps just loose wraps followed up by 3 to
behind (about 1mm) from hook 5 tight thread wraps. After the
eye. Cut off excess hackle with loose wraps the wing can be re-
scissor tips or pull hackle tip positioned. The wing will upright
backwards breaking off stem at itself after the tight wraps and the
windings. hackles will help keep it upright.
If desired, two wings can be tied
in, but I’ve found that one wing
is sufficient. If two wings are
used, tie them in with the convex
sides together. This will cause
them to flare outward.

Whip finish head with 4


to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

36 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 37
CDC BWO Biot Dun

Fly Name
Hook 14 -22
Thread black
Wings CDC
Tails grizzly hackle
Body goose biot & dubbing
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Attach biot by 5 tight Evenly wind biot to form
hook shank from about 1mm wraps. Advance thread up the the abdomen and secure with 5
behind the eye to the start of the shank to where the wing will tight thread wraps.
hook bend. Tie in the hackle be placed. Secure with 5 tight
fibers by making two loose wraps wraps.
followed up with 3 to 5 tight
wraps.

Attach CDC on top of Add dubbing to the thread and wind in thorax. Secure with 5
hook shank to form the wing tight wraps.
with 2 loose wraps. Reposition Whip finish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and
CDC and when in the desired cut off excess thread. Place a drop of head cement on knot and al-
place secure with 5 tight wraps. low it to penetrate both the thread base and CDC stems.

38 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 39
CDC Caddis

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings elk hair
Tails none
Body fine wire, dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Attach thread and wind Wax thread with a light Twist dubbing evenly on
the base. Select hackle and tie coat of wonder wax. Apply a thread with thumb and forefinger.
in with 5 tight wraps. Tie in fine thin amount of dubbing. Spread Wrap dubbed thread evenly for-
wire with 5 tight wraps. dubbing fibers out evenly on ward to the front end of the body.
thread. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
Note: it is common to
either over or underestimate the
dubbing amount. It is easy to
add more dubbing or pinch off
excess dubbing.

After body completion Place CDC under wing Whip finish head with 4
evenly wind hackle forward from with 5 tight wraps. Place par- to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
tail base to front end of body. Tie tridge feather over the top of and cut off excess thread. Place
off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. the CDC and secure with 5 tight a drop of head cement on knot
Cut off excess stem with scis- wraps. Trim away excess. and allow it to penetrate both the
sor tips or pull back on hackle to thread base and hackle stems.
break it off at thread wraps. Rib
wire through body, secure with 5
tight wraps , and cut off excess.

40 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 41
Compara Dun

Fly Name
Hook 12-22
Thread black
Wings deer hair
Tails moose
Body dubbing
Hackle same as wing

Wrap thread onto the Take a clump of deer hair Wax thread with a light
hook shank from about 1mm and tie it on the top of the hook coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
behind the eye to the start of the shank with 3 loose wraps. In- amount of dubbing. Spread dub-
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail crease the thread tension so the bing fibers out evenly on thread.
material by making two loose hollow hair will flare a 180 de- Wrap dubbed thread evenly for-
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 grees on top of the hook. Once in ward to the front end of the body.
tight wraps. place carefully secure with 5 tight Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps
wraps. Add 5 more tight wraps in
front of wing to stand it upright.

Whip finish head with 4


to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

42 Dry Flies
Elk Hair Caddis

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings elk hair
Tails none
Body dubbing fine wire
Hackle brown

Attach thread and wind Wax thread with a light After body completion
the base. Select hackle and tie coat of wonder wax. Apply a evenly wind hackle forward from
in with 5 tight wraps. Tie in fine thin amount of dubbing. Spread tail base to front end of body. Tie
wire with 5 tight wraps. dubbing fibers out evenly on off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps.
thread. Wrap dubbed thread Cut off excess stem with scissor tips
evenly forward to the front end or pull back on hackle to break it off
at thread wraps.
of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
tight wraps. Note: it is common
to either over-or underestimate
the dubbing amount. It is easy
to add more dubbing or pinch off
excess dubbing.

Tie in elk hair wing at Whip finish head with 4


Rib wire through body,
secure with 5 tight wraps , and a 45 degree angle to the hook to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
cut off excess. shank. Secure with 5 tight and cut off excess thread. Place
wraps. Trim butts to form a head. a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 43


Elk Hair Caddis Grizzly

Fly Name
Hook 12-20
Thread black
Wings elk hair
Tails none
Body fine wire, dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the Wax thread with a light After body completion
evenly wind hackle forward from
hook shank from about 1mm coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
behind the eye to the start of amount of dubbing. Wrap tail base to front end of body. Tie
the hook bend. Tie in wire and dubbed thread evenly forward to off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps.
grizzly hackle by its stem with 5 the front end of the body. Tie off Cut off excess stem with scis-
tight wraps. with 3 to 5 tight wraps. sor tips or pull back on hackle to
break it off at thread wraps.

Tie in hair positioned Whip finish head with 4


towards the bend of the hook with to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
2 loose wraps followed up by 3 to and cut off excess thread. Place
5 tight wraps. The wing’s length a drop of head cement on knot
and position can be adjusted after and allow it to penetrate both the
the loose wraps. The wing should thread base and hackle stems.
be slanted at a 45˚ angle to the
hook shank. Trim hair butts so it
forms a head shape.

44 Dry Flies
Elk Hair Mayfly

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings elk hair
Tails none
Body fine wire, dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Attach thread to shank. Tie in the wire with 5 tight wraps. Select hackle for proper size and desired
stiffness. Cut stem at juncture with webby and stiff fibers. Strip 2 or 3 of fibers away from hackle stem. Tie
in hackle with 3 to 5 right thread wraps. Concave side of hackle is away from body.
Dub thread and evenly wind body. Secure with 5 tight wraps. After body completion evenly wind
hackle forward from tail base to front end of body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Cut off excess
stem with scissor tips or pull back on hackle to break it off at thread wraps.
Evenly wind rib through hackles and secure with 5 tight wraps. Cut off excess wire.

Tie in the elk hair as a Whip finish head with 4


downwing. Secure with 5 tight to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wraps and cut away excess. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.
Trim hair to form a head.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 45


Goddard Caddis

Fly Name
Hook 12-18
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body deer hair
Hackle brown

Attach thread to rear Attach a match stick sized clump of deer hair to the hook with
quarter of hook shank. The bare 3 loose wraps. Once in place pull on thread to cause the hair to flare
shank makes it easier to spin and to spin evenly around the hook shank. Secure with 5 tight wraps
deer hair. directly in front of hair. Push the hair together to condense the spun
bundle. Repeat this same process 2 more times until the body of the
fly is formed.

Clip the hair with scissors Select hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Cut stem
into a tent wing shape. This will at junction with webby and stiff fibers. Strip away fibers exposing 2
become both the wing and the to 3mm of stem. Tie in stem with 2 loose wraps to place, followed up
body. with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Concave side of hackle is opposite of
body. Wind hackle evenly forward to 1mm behind hook eye. Tie off
with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Cut off to break away excess hackle.
Whip finish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut
off excess thread. Place a drop of head cement on knot and allow it to
penetrate both the thread base and hackle stems.

46 Dry Flies
Gray Drake Spinner

Fly Name
Hook 12-14
Thread black
Wings Krystal Flash
Tails moose
Body dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the Tie in about 6 to 8 Krys- Wind thread back to tail.
hook shank from about 1mm tal Flash fibers to form the wing. Wax thread with a light coat
behind the eye to the start of the Figure 8 them in place so they of wonder wax. Apply a thin
hook bend. Tie in about 4 to 6 spread out spent wing style. Tie amount of dubbing. Wrap
moose hairs with 2 loose thread in a hackle by its stem 2mm in dubbed thread evenly forward to
wraps. Reposition to desired back of wing. Secure with 5 tight the front end of the body. Tie off
length and position. Secure with wraps. with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
5 tight wraps.

Select hackle for proper Whip finish head with 4


size and desired stiffness. Tie to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
in stem with 2 loose wraps to and cut off excess thread. Place
place, followed up with 3 to 5 a drop of head cement on knot
tight thread wraps. Wind hackle and allow it to penetrate both the
evenly to 1mm behind hook eye. thread base and hackle stems.
Tie off with 5 tight wraps. Cut
off excess hackle.
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 47
Gray Caddis

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings elk hair
Tails none
Body fine wire, dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Attach thread to hook and wind a base for the body. Select After body completion
hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Cut stem at juncture with evenly wind hackle forward from
webby and stiff fibers. Strip 2 or 3 of fibers away from hackle stem. tail base to front end of body. Tie
Tie in hackle with 3 to 5 right thread wraps. Concave side of hackle off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps.
is away from body. Cut off excess stem with scis-
Select the desired number of peacock herls and trim the bases sor tips or pull back on hackle to
evenly. Tie in herl at the front part of the body and wrap herl evenly to break it off at thread wraps.
the base of the tail. Advance the thread forward to the front end of the
body. Evenly wrap herl forward from the tail base to the front end of
the body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps.

Tie in the elk hair as a Whip finish head with 4


down wing. Secure with 5 tight to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wraps and cut away excess. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

48 Dry Flies
Green Drake

Fly Name
Hook 8-14
Thread black
Wings hen hackle
Tails moose
Body yellow floss, dubbing
Hackle grizzly died green

Wrap thread onto the Evenly wind dubbed thread to form both the abdomen and the
hook shank from about 1mm thorax. Secure with 5 tight wraps.
behind the eye to the start of the After body completion, evenly wind hackle forward and tie off
hook bend. Tie in about a dozen with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps just behind (about 1mm) from hook eye.
moose fibers and secure with 5 Cut off excess hackle with scissor tips or pull hackle tip backwards
tight wraps. Select hackle and breaking off stem at windings.
tie in at mid-shank with 5 tight
wraps. Dub thread.

Prepare hen hackle by Whip finish head with 4


itself after the tight wraps and
cutting its stem and stripping to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
the hackles will help keep it
away about 5mm of fibers from and cut off excess thread. Place
upright.If desired, two wings
the stem. Place evenly inside a drop of head cement on knot
can be tied in, but I’ve found
wing burner and burn off excess and allow it to penetrate both the
that one wing is sufficient. If
with flame. (Candle or lighter) thread base and hackle stems.
two wings are used, tie them in
Tie in wing by its stems with two with the convex sides together.
loose wraps followed up by 3 to This will cause them to flare
5 tight thread wraps. After the outward.
loose wraps the wing can be re-
positioned. The wing will upright

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 49


Griffith’s Gnat
Fly Name
Hook 14-18
Thread black & fine silver wire
Wings none
Tails none
Body peacock herl
Hackle grizzly

Attach thread base to Tie in 2 or 3 strands of Evenly wind peacock herl


hook shank and tie in fine wire peacock herl with 5 tight thread to form the body. Secure with
and grizzly hackle. First prepare wraps. 5 tight wraps. Next rib the body
hackle by stripping away fibers with the fine wire and secure
from its stem base. Next tie in with another 5 tight wraps. This
with 4 or 5 tight thread wraps. protects the herl from damage.

Evenly wind hackle in a Whip finish head with 4


somewhat dense pattern. Secure to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
hackle with 5 tight thread wraps. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

This fly mimics a cluster of recently hatched midges. I like it because I can use a larger fly than
a single natural midge. It’s more visible to both the fish and to me. The larger hook gives you a better
chance of landing that big one.

50 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 51
Henry’s Fork Caddis

Fly Name
Hook 14-20
Thread black
Wings CDC
Tails none
Body dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Attach thread to hook shank. Wax thread with a light coat of Tie in a CDC feather in a
wonder wax. Apply a thin amount of dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers down wing style and secure with
out evenly on thread. Twist dubbing evenly on thread with thumb and 5 tight wraps.
forefinger.
Wrap dubbed thread evenly forward to the front end of the
body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
Note: it is common to either over or underestimate the dubbing
amount. It is easy to add more dubbing or pinch off excess dubbing.

Select hackle for proper Whip finish head with 4


size and desired stiffness. Tie to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
in stem with 2 loose wraps to and cut off excess thread. Place
place, followed up with 3 to 5 a drop of head cement on knot
tight thread wraps. Concave side and allow it to penetrate both the
of hackle is opposite of body. thread base and hackle stems.
Wind hackle evenly for-
ward to 1mm behind hook eye.
Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread
wraps. Cut off excess.
52 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 53
Hexagenia Mayfly

Fly Name
Hook 6-10
Thread yellow
Wings elk hair
Tails elk hair
Body elk hair
Hackle brown

Attach thread to hook Select a bunch of elk hair Wrap thread in evenly
shank and complete a double wrap about 3 mm in diameter. Tie in spaced winds. Wrap to hook bend
down to the start of the bend and just behind the wing area with 2 and then continue to wrap the hair
back to the wing area. Select a loose wraps. Reposition hair so only. This forms the extended
bunch of elk hair about 3 mm in it’s evenly around the hook shank body and tail. Reverse wrap
diameter. Tie in just behind the and long enough to form the ex- direction and evenly wind thread
wing area tended body and tail. Secure with back to its starting point just be-
5 tight wraps. hind the wing area.

Secure with 5 tight Select another bunch of Pull hair upright and tie in
wraps. elk hair about 5 mm in diameter 5 tight wraps in front of hair. This
and tie it in with 2 loose wraps. will cause the wing to become
Reposition hair and adjust it to upright. Next divide the hair into
the desired length. Secure with 5 two equal bunches. Tie between
tight wraps. these bunches with a series of
figure 8 wraps. This makes the
wings divided.
54 Dry Flies
Select a brown hackle Wrap hackle parachute Whip finish head with 4
and tie it in by its stem at the style around wing base. Secure to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
base of the wing. Secure with 5 with 5 tight thread wraps. Add and cut off excess thread. Place
tight thread wraps. a drop of head cement to the a drop of head cement on knot
wound hackle stem. and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 55


Humpy

Fly Name
Hook 8-20
Thread yellow
Wings light elk
Tails moose body
Body floss & elk hair
Hackle brown

Wrap thread onto the Attach a match stick clump of elk hair with 2 loose wraps.
hook shank from about 1mm Position on top of shank and adjust the needed length to form future
behind the eye to the start of the wing and shell-back. Secure with 5 tight thread wraps. Wind thread
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail tightly over hair all the way back to the tail.
material by making two loose
wraps followed up with 3 to 5
tight wraps.

Advance thread up to the wing area. Fold hair over the body to Whip finish head with 4
form the shell-back and secure with 5 tight thread wraps. Divide hair to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
into 2 even clumps and wind thread in a figure 8 pattern. Fold hair and cut off excess thread. Place
upright and secure with a tight bump of thread in front of wings. This a drop of head cement on knot
will make the wings divided and upright. Attach hackle by its stem and allow it to penetrate both the
with 5 tight wraps. Evenly wind hackle 3 turns behind and 3 turns in thread base and hackle stems.
front of wing. Secure with 5 tight wraps and cut off excess.

56 Dry Flies
Irresistible

Fly Name
Hook 8-16
Thread black
Wings zelon yarn
Tails moose
Body deer hair
Hackle brown

Wrap thread onto the Tie in a match size bundle of deer hair with 3 loose wraps.
hook shank from about 1mm Tighten the thread tension to flare out the hollow hair. Secure with 5
behind the eye to the start of the tight wraps in front of flared hair. Push the hair back to compress it.
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail Repeat steps until body area is filled with flared hair. Carefully trim
material by making two loose and shape body into a narrow cigar shape.
wraps followed up with 3 to 5
tight wraps.

Attach yarn wing by Select hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Tie in
figure 8 wrappings. Divide the stem with 2 loose wraps to place, followed up with 3 to 5 tight thread
wing and firmly secure it on top wraps. Concave side of hackle is opposite of body. Wind hackle
off the hook shank. evenly forward to 1mm behind hook eye. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight
thread wraps. Cut off to break away excess hackle.
Whip finish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut
off excess thread. Place a drop of head cement on knot and allow it to
penetrate both the thread base and hackle stems.
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 57
Light Cahill
Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings elk hair
Tails none
Body fine wire, dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the Tie in wood duck fibers Wax thread with a light
hook shank from about 1mm with 5 tight wraps in the wing coat of wonder wax. Apply a
behind the eye to the start of the position. Pull fibers upright and thin amount of dubbing. Spread
hook bend. Tie in about a dozen lash them with 5 tight wraps dubbing fibers out evenly on
hackle fibers and secure with 5 immediately in front of wing. thread. Twist dubbing evenly on
tight wraps. Divide wing into 2 equal bunch- thread with thumb and forefinger.
es and figure 8 tie to keep them Wrap dubbed thread
divided. Secure with 5 tight evenly forward to the front end of
wraps. the body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight
wraps.
Note: it is common to
either over-or underestimate the
dubbing amount. It is easy to add
Select hackle for proper more dubbing or pinch off excess
size and desired stiffness. Cut dubbing.
stem at junction with webby and
stiff fibers. Strip away fibers
exposing 2 to 3mm of stem. Tie
in stem with 2 loose wraps to
place, followed up with 3 to 5 Whip finish head with 4
tight thread wraps. Concave side to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
of hackle is opposite of body. and cut off excess thread. Place
Wind hackle evenly for-
ward to 1mm behind hook eye. a drop of head cement on knot
Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread and allow it to penetrate both the
wraps. Cut off to break away thread base and hackle stems.
excess hackle. Short or slippery
hackles require hackle pliers
while long hackles can be wound
with fingers.

58 Dry Flies
Mayfly Spinner

Fly Name
Hook 14-22
Thread black
Wings zelon or antron yarn
Tails grizzly
Body dubbing
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Next tie in the zelon wing Wax thread with a light
hook shank from about 1mm by selecting the desired amount coat of wonder wax. Apply a
behind the eye to the start of the and figure 8 wrapping it to the thin amount of dubbing. Spread
hook bend. Tie in the hackle hook shank. Position it so it dubbing fibers out evenly on
fibers by making two loose wraps spreads out evenly to both sides. thread. Wrap dubbed thread
followed up with 3 to 5 tight Secure with 5 tight wraps. evenly forward to the front end
wraps. of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
tight wraps.

Continue to wind dubbing Whip finish head with 4


in front of the wing and secure to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
with 5 tight wraps. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate the
thread base. Trim wings to the
desired size.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 59


Mosquito

Fly Name
Hook 10 -18
Thread black & fine silver wire
Wings 2 grizzly hackle tips
Tails grizzly hackle fibers
Body black thread
Hackle grizzly hackle

Wrap thread onto the Tie in the fine wire at Wind wire over the body
hook shank from about 1mm the tail/ body junction. Continue in evenly spaced wrappings. 6 to
behind the eye to the start of the wrapping the thread forward to 8 winds are needed.
hook bend. Tie in the hackle where the body is expected to
material by making two loose end. This provides an even base
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 for the body.
tight wraps. Continue with ad-
ditional tight wraps right to the
base of the tail.

Select hackle for proper Wind hackle evenly for-


Tie in hackle tips posi-
size and desired stiffness. Cut ward to 1mm behind hook eye.
tioned towards the bend of the
stem at junction with webby and Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread
hook with 2 loose wraps followed
stiff fibers. Strip away fibers wraps. Cut off to break away
up by 3 to 5 tight wraps. The
exposing 2 to 3mm of stem. Tie excess hackle. Short or slippery
wing’s length and position can
in stem with 2 loose wraps to hackles require hackle pliers
be adjusted after the loose wraps.
place, followed up with 3 to 5 while long hackles can be wound
The wing should be slanted at a
tight thread wraps. Concave side with fingers.
45˚ angle to the hook shank.
of hackle is opposite of body.

60 Dry Flies
This oldie is still one of the best Alpine lake fly pat-
terns. It simulates a cluster of midges. I fish it in the surface
film where I give it a short, quick strip and allow it to rest. The
movement draws the fishes attention. This is a must have pat-
tern for the evening rise.

Whip finish head with 4


to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 61


Pale Morning Dun PMD
Fly Name
Hook 12-20
Thread black
Wings white hen neck
Tails ginger hackle
Body dubbing
Hackle ginger

Wrap thread onto the hook shank from about 1mm behind the Evenly wind dubbed
eye to the start of the hook bend. Tie in about a dozen hackle fibers thread to form both the abdomen
and secure with 5 tight wraps. Select hackle and tie in at mid-shank and the thorax. Secure with 5
with 5 tight wraps. Dub thread. tight wraps.

Prepare hen hackle by cutting its stem


and stripping away about 5mm of fibers
from the stem. Place evenly inside wing
burner and burn off excess with flame. Whip finish head with 4 to
After body completion or (Candle or lighter) Tie in wing by its
wing completion, evenly wind 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut
stems with two loose wraps followed
off excess thread. Place a drop of
hackle forward and tie off with up by 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. After
the loose wraps the wing can be reposi-
head cement on knot and allow it to
3 to 5 tight thread wraps just penetrate both the thread base and
tioned. The wing will upright itself after
behind (about 1mm) from hook hackle stems.
the tight wraps and the hackles will help
eye. Cut off excess hackle with keep it upright. If desired, two wings can
scissor tips or pull hackle tip be tied in, but I’ve found that one wing
backwards breaking off stem at is sufficient. If two wings are used, tie
windings. them in with the convex sides together.
This will cause them to flare outward.

62 Dry Flies
Parachute Adams

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings zelon
Tails moose
Body dubbing
Hackle grizzly, brown

Wrap thread onto the Tie zelon yarn wing in an Tie in both hackles by
hook shank from about 1mm upright position. Wrap thread their stems and secure with 5
behind the eye to the start of the windings horizontally around its tight wraps.
hook bend. Tie in about a dozen base . Secure with 5 tight wraps
moose fibers and secure with 5
tight wraps.

Wind thread down to the Whip finish head with 4 to


bend and dub thread. Evenly 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut
wrap dubbing to form both the off excess thread. Place a drop of
body and the thorax. Secure with head cement on knot and allow it to
5 tight wraps. Wind both hack- penetrate both the thread base and
les parachute style horizontally hackle stems.
around wing. Secure with 5 tight
wraps and a drop of head cement.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 63


Partridge Caddis

Fly Name
Hook 12-20
Thread black
Wings partridge, CDC
Tails none
Body fine wire, peacock herl
Hackle grizzly

Attach thread to hook and evenly wind a thread base. Select the Attach a CDC feather as
desired number of peacock herls and trim the bases evenly. Tie in herl an under wing. Secure with 5
at the front part of the body and wrap herl evenly to the base of the tight wraps.
tail. Advance the thread forward to the front end of the body.
Evenly wrap herl forward from the tail base to the front end of
the body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps.

Tie in the partridge as a Whip finish head with 4


down wing and secure with 5 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
tight wraps. Trim off excesses. and cut off excess thread. Place
Tie in a grizzly hackle by it’s a drop of head cement on knot
stem and evenly wind hackle. and allow it to penetrate both the
Tie off with 5 tight wraps and cut thread base and hackle stems.
off excess.

64 Dry Flies
Renegade

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body fine wire, peacock herl
Hackle brown, white

Attach thread and wind Wind brown hackle Evenly wrap herl to form
the base. Select brown hackle evenly and tie off with 5 tight the body and secure with 5 tight
and tie in by its stem with 5 tight wraps. Trim away excess. Tie in wraps. Rib wire through herl and
wraps. Tie in fine wire with 5 peascock herl with another 5 tight secure with 5 tight wraps. Trim
tight wraps. wraps. away excesses.

Select white hackle and Whip finish head with 4


tie in by its stem with 5 tight to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wraps. Wind hackle evenly and and cut off excess thread. Place
secure with 5 tight wraps. Trim a drop of head cement on knot
away excess. and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 65


Royal Coachman
Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings white zelon yarn
Tails moose
Body peacock herl & red floss
Hackle brown

Attach thread base. Place moose hair and secure with 5 tight wraps. Trim away excess. Attach
peacock herl at hook bend and attach red floss at mid-shank. Wind herl up to placement of floss. Tie off
with 2 tight wraps. Wind red floss in mid-section over the herl. Secure floss with 5 tight wraps and trim
away excess floss. Continue winding herl forward to the wing area. Secure with 5 tight wraps and trim
away excess herl.

Tie in hackle by its stem Evenly wind hackle in Whip finish head with 4
with 5 tight wraps. Place zelon back of and in front of the wing to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
yarn as an upright wing with 2 and secure with 5 tight wraps. and cut off excess thread. Place
loose wraps. Adjust the wings Trim off excess. a drop of head cement on knot
position and when in place secure and allow it to penetrate both the
with 5 tight wraps. Wind ad- thread base and hackle stems.
ditional wraps in between the Trim wing to shape.
evenly divided yarn. Trim away
excess.

66 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 67
Royal Coachman Downwing

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings white zelon yarn
Tails moose
Body peacock herl & red floss
Hackle brown

Attach thread base. Place moose hair and secure with 5 tight wraps. Trim away excess. Attach
peacock herl at hook bend and attach red floss at mid-shank. Wind herl up to placement of floss. Tie off
with 2 tight wraps. Wind red floss in mid-section over the herl. Secure floss with 5 tight wraps and trim
away excess floss. Continue winding herl forward to the wing area. Secure with 5 tight wraps and trim
away excess herl.

Tie in hackle by its stem Evenly wind hackle in Whip finish head with 4
with 5 tight wraps. Place zelon front of the wing and secure with to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
yarn as down wing with 2 loose 5 tight wraps. Trim off excess. and cut off excess thread. Place
wraps. Adjust the wings position a drop of head cement on knot
and when in place secure with 5 and allow it to penetrate both the
tight wraps. Trim away excess. thread base and hackle stems.
Finally trim wing to desired
shape.

68 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 69
Salmon Fly Dry

Fly Name
Hook 6-2
Thread black
Wings moose or tan elk hair
Tails none
Body salmon orange elk hair
Hackle elk hair

Attach thread base to the Reverse the direction Secure with 5 tight thread
hook shank. Tie in a bundle of of the loose elk hair and evenly wraps.
elk hair about the diameter of space it around the hook shank.
a kitchen match. Wind thread Make even ribbing with the tying
over hair down to the bend of the thread. Rib back to the forward
hook. portion of the body.

Select a bundle of either Trim away the hair butts. Select another match
moose or elk hair for the wing. sized bundle of orange elk hair.
Again the diameter of a kitchen Loosely tie it in right in front of
match is about right. Tie in with the wing. The tips must point
2 loose wraps. Reposition the forward. Firmly wind thread so
hair so it is the right length and is that the elk hair flares outwards
on top of the hook shank. Secure and evenly around the shank.
with 5 tight wraps.
70 Dry Flies
Wind thread back to the start of the wing and fold back the elk Whip finish head with 4
hair. Tie down with 2 loose wraps followed up with 5 tight wraps. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hair stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 71


72 Dry Flies
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 73
Stimulator

Fly Name
Hook 6-14
Thread black
Wings elk hair
Tails moose hair
Body dubbing & fine wire
Hackle brown

Wrap thread onto the hook Tie in hackle by stem at Wax thread with a light
shank from about 1mm behind the start of the tail section of the coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
the eye to the start of the hook hook shank. Secure with 5 tight amount of dubbing. Spread dub-
bend. Tie in the hair tail material wraps. Next tie in wire with an- bing fibers out evenly on thread.
by making two loose wraps fol- other 5 tight wraps. Twist dubbing and wrap dubbed
lowed up with 3 to 5 tight wraps. thread evenly forward to the front
Continue with additional tight end of the body. Tie off with 3 to
wraps right to the base of the tail. 5 tight wraps.

Evenly wind dubbing Wind hackle evenly Tie in hair positioned


to form the body. Secure with throughout the body and secure towards the bend of the hook
5 tight wraps. Allow plenty of with 5 tight wraps. Rib body and with 2 loose wraps followed up
space for the next steps. hackle with the fine wire. This by 3 to 5 tight wraps. The wing’s
strengthens the hackle and keeps length and position can be ad-
it in place. Secure with 5 tight justed after the loose wraps. The
wraps. wing should be slanted at a 45˚
angle to the hook shank. Secure
74 Dry Flies with 5 tight wraps.
Trim wing butts away. Evenly wrap dubbing to Wind hackle evenly and
Tie in a hackle by the stem with 5 form the thorax and secure with 5 secure with 5 tight thread wraps.
tight wraps. Convex side is away tight thread wraps. Cut off excess hackle.
from the fly. Apply dubbing to the
thread.

Whip finish head with 4


to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 75


Stimulator Caddis

Fly Name
Hook 12-18
Thread black
Wings elk hair
Tails none
Body dubbing & fine wire
Hackle brown & grizzly

Wrap thread onto the Select hackle for proper Evenly wind dubbing
hook shank from about 1mm size and desired stiffness. Tie to form body and secure with 5
behind the eye to the start of the in hackle with 3 to 5 right thread tight wraps.
hook bend. Attach wire with 5 wraps. Concave side of hackle
tight wraps. is away from body. Apply dub-
bing to thread.

After body completion Place elk hair wing by ap- Evenly wind hackle and
evenly wind hackle forward from plying 2 loose wraps. Adjust the secure with 5 tight wraps. Trim
tail base to front end of body. Tie length and position directly on top off excess. Whip finish head
off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. of the body. Once in place hold with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end
Cut off excess stem with scis- and secure with 5 tight wraps. firmly and cut off excess thread.
sor tips or pull back on hackle to Trim away excess. Attach grizzly Place a drop of head cement on
break it off at thread wraps. hackle by its stem and secure with knot and allow it to penetrate
5 tight wraps. both the thread base and hackle
stems.

76 Dry Flies
Yellow Sally
Fly Name
Hook 14-20
Thread black
Wings CDC
Tails none
Body fine wire, dubbing
Hackle ginger

Attach thread to shank. Tie in the wire with 5 tight wraps. Select hackle for proper size and desired
stiffness. Cut stem at juncture with webby and stiff fibers. Strip 2 or 3 of fibers away from hackle stem. Tie
in hackle with 3 to 5 right thread wraps. Concave side of hackle is away from body.
Dub thread and evenly wind body. Secure with 5 tight wraps. After body completion evenly wind
hackle forward from tail base to front end of body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Cut off excess
stem with scissor tips or pull back on hackle to break it off at thread wraps.

Evenly wind rib through Tie in the CDC feather as Whip finish head with 4
hackles and secure with 5 tight a downwing. Secure with 5 tight to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wraps. Cut off excess wire. wraps and cut away excess. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 77


78 Bass & Panfish
Bass &
Panfish

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 79


Bass Woolly Bugger

Fly Name
Hook 6-2
Thread black
Wings none
Tails marabou
Body mohair yarn & bead chain
eyes
Hackle saddle

Wrap thread onto the Attach a pair of bead Attach a saddle hackle
hook shank from about 1mm chain or weighted eyes by a series by its stem with 5 tight wraps.
behind the eye to the start of the of tight figure 8 wrappings. Ce- Attach the mohair yarn with 5
hook bend. Tie in the marabou ment windings with head cement tight wraps . Wind thread up to
by making two loose wraps fol- or super glue. the eyes.
lowed up with 3 to 5 tight wraps.

Evenly wind mohair to Evenly wind hackle in Whip finish head with 4
form the body. Tie off with 5 equal spacings. Secure with to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
tight wraps. Trim away excess 5 tight wraps . Cut off excess and cut off excess thread. Place
yarn. hackle. a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

80 Bass & Panfish


Bass Worm

Fly Name
Hook 6-1
Thread black
Wings none
Tails saddle hackles
Body chenille & bead chain eyes
Hackle black

Wrap thread onto the Attach a pair of bead Attach a saddle hackle
hook shank from about 1mm chain or weighted eyes by a by its stem with 5 tight wraps.
behind the eye to the start of the series of tight figure 8 wrap- Attach the chenille with 5 tight
hook bend. Tie in 4 saddle hack- pings. Cement windings with wraps . Wind thread up to the
les by making two loose wraps head cement or super glue. eyes.
followed up with 3 to 5 tight
wraps. Their concave sides flare
out away from the body.

Evenly wind chenille to Evenly wind hackle in Whip finish head with 4
form the body. Tie off with 5 equal spacings. Secure with to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
tight wraps. Trim away excess 5 tight wraps . Cut off excess and cut off excess thread. Place
chenille. hackle. a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 81


Deer Hair Popper

Fly Name
Hook 8-2
Thread black
Wings none
Tails saddle hackle
Body deer hair
Hackle saddle hackle

Wrap thread onto the Select hackle for proper Select a bunch of deer
hook shank in the rear section of size and desired stiffness. Tie in hair twice the diameter of a
the hook only. Tie in the hackles stem with 2 loose wraps to place, kitchen match. Wrap it around
convex sides together by making followed up with 3 to 5 tight the hook shank with 3 loose
two loose wraps then reposition thread wraps. Concave side of wraps. Tighten the thread ten-
hackles so they spread out evenly. hackle is opposite of body. Wind sion and the hollow hair will
Secure with 5 tight wraps. Cut off hackle evenly and secure with 5 flare. Secure with 5 tight wraps
excess. tight wraps. Cut off excess. directly in front of hair. Push the
bundle backwards to condense it.

Repeat the last step until the body is completely formed. It


usually requires 3 to 5 deer hair bunches. Choose the color of the hair
to make a 2 toned appearance. Tie off with 5 tight wraps and whip fin-
ish. Add head cement. Finally with sharp scissors trim the hair into the
desired shape. Usually a cigar shape is preferred but you can make the
body look like a frog with a little talent at cutting hair.

82 Bass & Panfish


Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 83
Foam Beetle

Fly Name
Hook 10-16
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body tube foam
Hackle elastic legs

Wrap thread onto the Cut foam tubing in half Fold tubing over the top
hook shank from about 1mm lengthwise. Attach at rear of hook of the hook and secure where
behind the eye to the start of the shank with 2 loose wraps. Repo- shown with 5 tight wraps.
hook bend. sition tubing so cut section will
be on top of the hook shank when
folded over. Secure with 5 tight
wraps.

Tie in elastic legs in the Whip finish head with 4


same manner. That is attach first to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
with 2 loose wraps and while and cut off excess thread. Place
holding them in place secure a drop of head cement on knot.
them with 5 tight wraps.

84 Bass & Panfish


Foam Popper

Fly Name
Hook 6-1
Thread black
Wings none
Tails saddle hackle
Body preformed foam
Hackle saddle

Wrap thread onto the Select hackle for proper Wrap thread to hook
hook shank in the rear section of size and desired stiffness. Tie in eye and whip finish. Trim away
the hook only. Tie in the hackles stem with 2 loose wraps to place, excess thread. Try the fit of the
convex sides together by making followed up with 3 to 5 tight foam body. Once it looks right
two loose wraps then reposition thread wraps. Concave side of add Zap- a- Gap super glue to the
hackles so they spread out evenly. hackle is opposite of body. Wind hook shank and place the body in
Secure with 5 tight wraps. Cut off hackle evenly and secure with 5 its final position. Allow the glue
excess. tight wraps. Cut off excess. to set fully.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 85


86 Pacific Salmon
Pacific
Salmon

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 87


King Salmon

Fly Name
Hook 8-1
Thread black
Wings none
Tails black hair
Body silver or gold braided tinsel
Hackle red

Wrap thread onto the Attach a pair of bead Evenly double wind the
hook shank from about 1mm chain eyes by winding thread in body material back down to the
behind the eye to the start of the a figure 8 pattern. Add a drop tail and up to just behind the
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail of head cement to keep them in eyes. Secure with 5 tight thread
material by making two loose place. Attach the braided tin- wraps. Cut away excess.
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 sel behind the eyes with 5 tight
tight wraps. wraps.

Select hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Cut stem Whip finish head with 4
at junction with webby and stiff fibers. Strip away fibers exposing 2 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
to 3mm of stem. Tie in stem with 2 loose wraps to place, followed up and cut off excess thread. Place
with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Concave side of hackle is opposite of a drop of head cement on knot
body. Wind hackle evenly forward to 1mm behind hook eye. Tie off and allow it to penetrate both the
with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Cut off to break away excess hackle. thread base and hackle stems.
Short or slippery hackles require hackle pliers while long hackles can
be wound with fingers.
88 Pacific Salmon
Rogue River Chinook

Fly Name
Hook 6-1
Thread black
Wings none
Tails green bucktail
Body braided silver tinsel
Hackle green neck hackle

Wrap thread onto the Attach a pair of bead Evenly double wind the
hook shank from about 1mm chain eyes by winding thread in body material back down to the
behind the eye to the start of the a figure 8 pattern. Add a drop tail and up to just behind the
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail of head cement to keep them in eyes. Secure with 5 tight thread
material by making two loose place. Attach the braided tin- wraps. Cut away excess.
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 sel behind the eyes with 5 tight
tight wraps. wraps.

Select hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Cut stem Whip finish head with 4
at junction with webby and stiff fibers. Strip away fibers exposing 2 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
to 3mm of stem. Tie in stem with 2 loose wraps to place, followed up and cut off excess thread. Place
with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Concave side of hackle is opposite of a drop of head cement on knot
body. Wind hackle evenly forward to 1mm behind hook eye. Tie off and allow it to penetrate both the
with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Cut off to break away excess hackle. thread base and hackle stems.
Short or slippery hackles require hackle pliers while long hackles can
be wound with fingers.
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 89
90 Nymphs
Nymphs

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 91


Aquatic Worm
Fly Name
Hook 4-10
Thread red
Wings none
Tails none
Body red larva lace & dubbing
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto hook Wax thread with a light Wind dubbing to form a
shank. Attach the body material coat of wonder wax. Apply a hump in the body at 2/3 point of
with 3 to 5 tight wraps of thread. thin amount of dubbing. Spread hook shank.
Continue to wrap thread around dubbing fibers out evenly on
the body material from the base thread. Twist dubbing evenly on
of the tail to the front end of the thread with thumb and forefin-
body. This makes an even under- ger.
body foundation.

Evenly wind on the larva lace in back of and in front of the Whip finish head with 4
dubbing hump. Secure with 5 tight thread wraps. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and lace stems.

Simple fly that imitates aquatic worms. I like to tie it on a curved hook because it twists like it’s
alive when drifted about a foot off the bottom. Other colors are effective. Collect some samples in your
local water and match their coloration and size.

92 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 93
Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle

Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings none
Tails partridge fibers
Body fine wire, dubbing
Hackle partridge

Wrap thread onto the Tie in fine wire with 5 Wrap dubbed thread
hook shank from about 1mm tight wraps Wax thread with a evenly forward to the front end
behind the eye to the start of the light coat of wonder wax. Apply of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
hook bend. Tie in the partridge a thin amount of dubbing. Spread tight wraps.
tail material by making two dubbing fibers out evenly on Note: it is common to
loose wraps followed up with 3 thread. Twist dubbing evenly on either over or underestimate the
to 5 tight wraps. Continue with thread with thumb and forefinger. dubbing amount. It is easy to
additional tight wraps right to the add more dubbing or pinch off
base of the tail. excess dubbing.

Secure partridge hackle Whip finish head with 4


by its stem with 5 tight wraps. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
Evenly wind hackle and tie off and cut off excess thread. Place
with 5 tight wraps. Cut away a drop of head cement on knot
excess. and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

94 Nymphs
Bead Head Prince Nymph

Fly Name
Hook 6-12
Thread black
Wings 2 goose biots
Tails 2 goose biots
Body peacock herl & bead
Hackle brown hackle

Place the bead on the Tie in herl at the front part of the body and wrap herl evenly to
hook. Wrap thread onto the hook the base of the tail. Advance the thread forward to the front end of the
shank etc. Tie in the two biots by body. Evenly wrap herl forward form the tail base to the front end of
spreading them out into an X pat- the body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Since peacock herl is
tern. First make two loose wraps somewhat fragile, it is a good idea to rib it with either thread or a fine
at the intersection of the X, then wire. Simply wind thread back to the tail and forward to the body front
follow up with 3 to 5 tight wraps. in wide even spaces or rib with tight wire winds.

Tie in 2 white goose biots Tie in hackle stem with Whip finish head with 4
with 2 loose wraps. Position 2 loose wraps to place, followed to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wings so they make an X pattern. up with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. and cut off excess thread. Place
This flares each wing away from Convex side of hackle is oppo- a drop of head cement on knot
each other. Secure with 5 tight site of body. Wind hackle evenly and allow it to penetrate both the
wraps. forward to 1mm behind hook eye. thread base and hackle stems.
Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread
wraps. Cut off to break away
excess hackle.
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 95
Big Yellow Mayfly
Fly Name
Hook 6-10
Thread black
Wings wood duck fibers
Tails none
Body fine dubbing & gold wire
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Attach wire with 5 tight Wrap dubbed thread
hook shank from about 1mm thread wraps. Wax thread with a evenly forward to the front end
behind the eye to the start of light coat of wonder wax. Ap- of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
the hook bend. Tie in the wood ply a thin amount of dubbing. tight wraps Evenly wind wire to
duck fibers by making two loose Spread dubbing fibers out evenly form the ribbing and tie off with
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 on thread. Twist dubbing evenly 5 tight wraps Trim away the
tight wraps. on thread with thumb and fore- excess wire.
finger.

Tie in wood duck fibers Whip finish head with 4


with 2 loose wraps followed up to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
by 3 to 5 tight wraps. The wing’s and cut off excess thread. Place
length and position can be ad- a drop of head cement on knot
justed after the loose wraps. The and allow it to penetrate both the
wing should be slanted at a 45˚ thread base and wing stems.
angle to the hook shank.

96 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 97
Caddis Worm

Fly Name
Hook 8-14
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body ultra fine chenille
Hackle peacock herl

Tie in thread at forward Evenly wrap chenille to Tie in 3 or 4 strands of


end of body with 3 to 5 tight about 5 mm behind hook eye. peacock herl with 5 tight wraps
wraps. Wrap thread back to the Secure with 4 or 5 tight wraps. and trim away their bases.
base of the tail. Place chenille Trim away excess chenille.
and wrap thread forward over the
chenille to the front of the body.

This is great all season


trout and whitefish fly. Fish it
with a natural dead drift about a
foot of the bottom. The strike is a
soft one. Be alert for any change
in the flies drift.

Wrap the peacock herl Whip finish head with 4


around the hook 3 turns. Secure to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
with 4 or 5 tight wraps and trim and cut off excess thread. Place
away the excess. Back thread a drop of head cement on knot.
through herl by making several
winds. This makes the herl more
durable.

98 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 99
100 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 101
Callibaetis Nymph

Fly Name
Hook 12-16
Thread black
Wings pheasant tail case
Tails wood duck
Body pheasant tail , fine wire,
& ostrich fiber
Hackle pheasant tail

Wrap thread onto the Attach about 6 pheasant Evenly wrap pheasant tail
hook shank from about 1mm tail fibers and the fine wire with 5 fibers to form the body. Secure
behind the eye to the start of the tight thread wraps. with 5 tight wraps. Evenly rib
hook bend. Tie down about 7 the body with the fine wire.
wood duck fibers. Position with Again secure with 5 tight wraps.
2 or 3 loose wraps and follow up
with 5 tight thread wraps.

Tie in ostrich plume with Evenly wind the plume Fold over remainder
5 tight wraps. to form the thorax. Secure with pheasant tail fibers to form the
5 tight wraps. wing case. Secure with 5 tight
wraps. Push the rest of the
pheasant tail fibers under the
head and tie down with 3 tight
wraps. This forms the legs.

102 Nymphs
Trim legs to the desired
length.
Whip finish head with 4
to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 103


104 Nymphs
CDC Dun Emerger

Fly Name
Hook 14 -20
Thread black
Wings CDC
Tails grizzly hackle
Body dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the Wax thread with a light coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
hook shank from about 1mm amount of dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers out evenly on thread.
behind the eye to the start of the Twist dubbing evenly on thread with thumb and forefinger. Wrap
hook bend. Tie in the hackle dubbed thread evenly forward to the front end of the body. Tie off
fibers by making two loose wraps with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Tie in CDC with 2 loose wraps. Reposition
followed up with 3 to 5 tight CDC so it is the desired length and it is on top of the hook. Secure
wraps with 5 tight wraps. Wrap thorax with dubbing and make it a little
thicker than the abdomen. Secure with 5 tight wraps.

Whip finish head with 4 to


8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and
cut off excess thread. Place a drop
of head cement on knot and allow
it to penetrate both the thread base
and CDC stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 105


Damselfly Nymph

Fly Name
Hook 8-14
Thread black
Wings none
Tails 2 strands of ostrich herl
Body ostrich herl
Hackle partridge

Wrap thread onto the Tie in about 6 pheasant Tie off herl with 4 or 5
hook shank from about 1mm tail fibers at back of thorax with tight thread wraps. Rib the fly’s
behind the eye to the start of 4 or 5 tight wraps. Wind ostrich abdomen and thorax by winding
the hook bend. Tie in 2 strands herl evenly to form abdomen the fine wire throughout each.
of ostrich fibers by making two and thorax. In the thorax section Tie off with 4 or 5 tight thread
loose wraps followed up with 3 double wind the herl to increase wraps and trim away excess herl
to 5 tight wraps. Continue with the thickness. and wire.
additional tight wraps right to the
base of the tail. Tie in fine gold
wire at the tail’s base with 5 tight
wraps.

Fold over the pheasant tail Select hackle for size and stiffness. Expose base by gently
fibers and secure with 4 or 5 tight stripping fibers. Tie in base with two loose winds followed up with 3
wraps. Trim away the excess to 5 tight winds. Convex side of hackle faces the fly’s body
herl. Evenly wrap hackle with 2 turns and secure with 4 or 5 tight
wraps. If hackle is short or difficult to grasp use a hackle pliers, other-
wise use your thumb and forefinger. Either trim away excess or pull
backwards and break stem off at windings.

106 Nymphs
It’s an option to add
black mono eyes. Whip finish
head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag
end firmly and cut off excess
thread. Place a drop of head
cement on knot and allow it to
penetrate both the thread base
and hackle stems.

This is an effective pattern that not only looks like a real damselfly but acts like one. It has
accounted for many a large trout and even a 6 pound smallmouth bass. I slowly fish it in a stop and go
retrieve directed towards the shoreline.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 107


Diving BWO

Fly Name
Hook 16-20
Thread black
Wings zelon
Tails grizzly
Body dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the hook Wax thread with a light coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
shank from about 1mm behind
amount of dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers out evenly on thread. Twist
the eye to the start of the hook dubbing evenly on thread with thumb and forefinger.
bend. Tie in the grizzly hackle Wrap dubbed thread evenly forward to the front end of the
fibers by making two loose wraps body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Note: it is common to either
followed up with 3 to 5 tight over or underestimate the dubbing amount. It is easy to add more dub-
wraps. flare those outwards. bing or pinch off excess dubbing.

Tie in zelon wing on top Select hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Cut stem at
of hook shank with 2 loose wraps. junction with webby and stiff fibers. Strip away fibers exposing 2 to
Reposition wing and when in 3mm of stem. Tie in stem with 2 loose wraps to place, followed up with
place tie down with 5 tight wraps. 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Concave side of hackle is opposite of body.
It should slant back at a 45 degree Wind hackle evenly forward to 1mm behind hook eye. Tie off with 3 to
angle. 5 tight thread wraps. Cut off to break away excess hackle. Whip fin-
ish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut off excess thread.
Place a drop of head cement on knot and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.
108 Nymphs
Deep Caddis Pupa

Fly Name
Hook 14-18
Thread black
Wings wood duck
Tails none
Body antron & peacock herl
Hackle none

Attach thread to shank Wax thread with a light Pull both strands of
and wind the desired thread base. coat of wonder wax. Apply a antron yarn forward and tie off
Attach the body material with 3 to thin amount of dubbing. Spread with 5 tight wraps. Allow a little
5 tight wraps of thread. The antron dubbing fibers out evenly on slack in the yarn.
yarn is split into 2 even bundles.
thread. Twist dubbing evenly on
thread with thumb and forefinger.
Wrap dubbed thread evenly for-
ward to the front end of the body.
Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.

Tie in 2 strands of pea- Evenly wind 2 turns Tie in wood duck wing
cock herl with 5 tight wraps. of herl and tie off with 5 tight with 5 tight wraps. Whip finish
thread wraps. Over wrap herl head with 4 to 8 turns. Place
with 2 or 3 tight thread wraps. a drop of head cement on knot
This is to make the herl resistant and allow it to penetrate both the
to abrasion. thread and wood duck stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 109


110 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 111
Floating Nymph

Fly Name
Hook 12-20
Thread black
Wings dubbing
Tails moose
Body dubbing
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the hook Wax thread with a light Add more dubbing to the
shank from about 1mm behind coat of wonder wax. Apply a thread. Pull thread upright and
the eye to the start of the hook thin amount of dubbing. Spread with your fingers pull the dubbing
bend. Tie in the hair tail material dubbing fibers out evenly on downward to form a tight ball.
by making two loose wraps fol- thread. Wrap dubbed thread
lowed up with 3 to 5 tight wraps. evenly forward to the front end
This will flare the hair tail out- of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
wards. tight wraps.

Secure dubbing ball with Whip finish head with 4


5 tight wraps. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place a
drop of head cement on knot and
allow it to penetrate the thread
base.

112 Nymphs
Golden Stonefly Nymph
Fly Name
Hook 6-10
Thread black
Wings none
Tails 2 goose biots
Body gold yarn, larva lace, &
ostrich plume
Hackle grizzly died golden

Wrap thread onto the Attach yarn and larva lace at hook bend. Secure with 5 tight
hook shank etc. Tie in the two wraps. Advance thread to start of thorax and tie in the hackle by its
biots by spreading them out into stem and tie in the ostrich plume. Secure with 5 tight wraps.
an X pattern. First make two
loose wraps at the intersection of
the X, then follow up with 3 to 5
tight wraps. The tail’s position
and length can be adjusted after
the first two loose wraps.

Wind yarn on abdomen Wind yarn on thorax Whip finish head with 4
and rib with the larva lace. Se- with very close wraps. This will to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
cure with 5 tight wraps. beef-up the thorax. Secure with and cut off excess thread. Place
5 tight wraps. Cut off excess. a drop of head cement on knot
Wind on ostrich plume and and allow it to penetrate both the
secure with 5 tight wraps. Wind thread base and hackle stems.
on hackle and secure with 5 tight
wraps. Cut off excesses.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 113


Gray Drake Nymph

Fly Name
Hook 8-10
Thread black
Wings none
Tails 3 ostrich herls
Body fine dubbing & oval tinsel
Hackle wood duck fibers

Attach thread to shank Wax thread with a light Evenly wind dubbing in
and wind the desired thread base. coat of wonder wax. Apply a abdomen area but double wind
Select 3 ostrich herls and tie in thin amount of dubbing. Spread it in the thorax area to make a
with 2 loose wraps. Reposition dubbing fibers out evenly on thicker thorax. Secure with 4 or
the tail to the desired place and thread. Twist dubbing evenly on 5 tight wraps. Evenly wind oval
length and secure with 5 tight thread with thumb and forefinger. tinsel throughout abdomen and
wraps. Attach fine oval tinsel Wrap dubbed thread evenly for- thorax. Secure tinsel with 5 tight
with 5 tight wraps. ward to the front end of the body. wraps and trim away excess.
Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.

Tie in wood duck fibers Whip finish head with 4


to form a beard for the legs. First to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
attach with 2 loose windings and and cut off excess thread. Place
reposition fibers to the desired a drop of head cement on knot
length and position. Next secure and allow it to penetrate both
with 5 tight wraps. the thread base and wood duck
stems.

114 Nymphs
Hare’s Ear Clinger

Fly Name
Hook 12-22
Thread black & fine gold wire rib
Wings pheasant tail
Tails partridge
Body hare’s ear
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Wax thread with a light Tie in about 12 pheasant
hook shank from about 1mm coat of wonder wax. Apply a tail fibers at junction between
behind the eye to the start of the thin amount of dubbing. Spread abdomen and thorax. This will
hook bend. Tie down about 7 dubbing fibers out evenly on later become the wing case.
partridge hackle fibers. Position thread. Twist dubbing evenly on
with 2 or3 loose wraps and fol- thread with thumb and forefinger.
low up with 5 tight thread wraps. Wrap dubbed thread
evenly forward to the front end
of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
tight wraps.

Wind dubbing to make a Whip finish head with 4 to Pick out the thorax
thicker thorax than the abdomen. 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut dubbing to create the legs. The
Fold over the pheasant tail fibers off excess thread. Place a drop of picked guard hairs simulate legs
in front of the thorax and tie head cement on knot. and the under fur gives a trans-
down with about 5 tight wraps. lucency to the fly.
Trim away the excess.
Note: This clinger version is tied in a short squatty style as compared to the swimmer hare’s ear
style. This mimics a wide variety of mayfly nymphs. It is extremely effective when dead drifted at the
surface and just above the bottom.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 115


Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle

Fly Name
Hook 10-16
Thread black & fine gold wire rib
Wings none
Tails partridge fibers
Body hare’s ear
Hackle partridge hackle

Wrap thread onto the Tie in a fine gold wire Wrap dubbed thread
hook shank from about 1mm with 4 tight wraps. Wax thread evenly forward to the front end
behind the eye to the start of with a light coat of wonder wax. of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
the hook bend. Tie in the hair Apply a thin amount of dubbing. tight wraps.
tail material by making two Spread dubbing fibers out evenly
loose wraps followed up with on thread. Twist dubbing evenly Note: it is common to either
3 to 5 tight wraps. Continue on thread with thumb and fore- over or underestimate the
with additional tight wraps finger. dubbing amount. It is easy to
right to the base of the tail. add more dubbing or pinch off
excess dubbing.

Wrap ribbing material Select hackle for size Whip finish head with 4
with even spaces forward from and expose base stem by strip- to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
the tail base to the front end of ping off fibers. Tie in by base and cut off excess thread. Place
the body. Usually 9 to 12 wraps with 2 loose winds followed up a drop of head cement on knot
are used. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight with 3 to 5 tight winds. Convex and allow it to penetrate both the
wraps. side of hackle faces the fly’s thread base and hackle stems.
body. Evenly wrap hackle with
2 winds. Tie down with 5 tight
wraps.

116 Nymphs
Hare’s Ear Swimmer

Fly Name
Hook 10-18
Thread black
Wings pheasant tail fibers
Tails partridge
Body fine wire, dubbing
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the hook Wax thread with a light coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
shank from about 1mm behind the amount of dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers out evenly on thread.
eye to the start of the hook bend. Twist dubbing evenly on thread with thumb and forefinger.
Tie in the partridge fibers by mak- Wrap dubbed thread evenly forward to the front end of the
ing two loose wraps followed up body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Continue
with additional tight wraps right
to the base of the tail.

Tie in pheasant tail fibers Add more dubbing and Whip finish head with 4
with 5 tight wraps. Place on top wind thorax. Secure with 5 tight to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
of hook shank at the start of the wraps. Thorax should be thicker and cut off excess thread. Place
thorax. than the abdomen. Fold over a drop of head cement on knot
pheasant fibers and secure with 5 and allow it to penetrate. Pluck
tight wraps. Trim away excess. out fur in thorax with a bobkin
needle.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 117


118 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 119
Midge Emerger

Fly Name
Hook 10-22
Thread black & fine silver wire
Wings white closed cell foam
Tails none
Body ostrich herl & hare’s ear
Hackle none

Tie in thread at forward Evenly wrap herl for- Trim herl to thin out the
end of body with 3 to 5 tight ward and secure with 4 or 5 tight abdomen.
wraps. Wrap thread to the base wraps.
of the tail. Attach wire and black
ostrich herl at base of tail. Wrap
thread forward.

Evenly rib body with Wax thread with a light coat Wrap dubbed thread evenly
fine wire. About 7 to 10 turns is of wonder wax. Apply a thin amount forward to the front end of the body.
ideal. Secure wire with 4 or 5 of dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
tight thread wraps. out evenly on thread. Twist dubbing
evenly on thread with thumb and Note: it is common to either over or
forefinger. underestimate the dubbing amount.
It is easy to add more dubbing or
pinch off excess dubbing.

120 Nymphs
This is one of my best
winter midge fly patterns. It
closely mimics an emerging
midge. The fly’s dense body
and upright foam makes it
float at the surface film in an
upright position. When tied
Tie in a thin strip of closed Whip finish head with 4 in the larger sizes its also a
cell foam with 4 or 5 tight wraps. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly good lake fly.
Trim off its base. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both
the thread base and foam stem.
Trim wing so its nearly the same
length of the body.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 121


Midge Larva

Fly Name
Hook 14-20
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body larva lace & peacock herl
Hackle none

Attach thread to shank Evenly wrap larva lace


and wind the desired thread base to form the body. Secure with 5
Attach the body material with 3 tight wraps. Cut off excess.
to 5 tight wraps of thread. Con-
tinue to wrap thread around the
body material from the base of
the tail to the front end of the
body. This makes an even under-
body foundation.

Tie in 2 strands of peacock Wind herl in 2 or 3 wraps Whip finish head with 4
herl with 5 tight wraps. Position and secure with 5 tight thread to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
herl at junction of body and hook wraps. Wind thread through the and cut off excess thread. Place
shank. herl for 2 more wraps to protect a drop of head cement on knot
the herl from abrasion. and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and herl stems.

122 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 123
Peeking Caddis

Fly Name
Hook 8-14
Thread black & fine gold wire
Wings none
Tails
Body Hare’s ear & ultra chenille
Hackle black neck

Attach thread to hook Wrap dubbed thread Attach the ultra chenille
shank and tie in the fine wire. Wax evenly forward to the front end body material with 3 to 5 tight
thread with a light coat of wonder of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5 wraps of thread.
wax. Apply a thick amount of tight wraps.
dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers Note: it is common to
out evenly on thread. Twist dub- either over or underestimate the
bing evenly on thread with thumb dubbing amount. It is easy to
and forefinger. add more dubbing or pinch off
excess dubbing.

Make 2 wraps of che- Select hackle for size and stiffness. Expose base by gently
nille and tie off with 4 or 5 tight stripping back fibers. Tie in by base with two loose winds followed up
wraps. Trim away excess che- with 3 to 5 tight winds. Convex side of hackle faces the fly’s body
nille. After the body is completed, evenly wrap 2 hackle turns. If
hackle is short or difficult to grasp use a hackle pliers, otherwise use
your thumb and forefinger. Tie off hackle with 3 to 5 tight thread
wraps. Either trim away excess or pull backwards and break stem off
at windings.

124 Nymphs
Whip finish head with 4
to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.
Trim hackle in half. This makes
the legs stick out like the natural.

This is an excellent nymph pattern when there is nothing hatching. It’s a year round fly that pro-
duces in all seasons. Most streams have an abundance of cased caddisflies. Fish it close to the bottom in a
dead drift presentation.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 125


Pheasant Tail Clinger

Fly Name
Hook 12-20
Thread black & fine gold wire rib
Wings none
Tails partridge fibers
Body pheasant tail & hare’s ear
Hackle none

126 Nymphs
Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle

Fly Name
Hook 10-16
Thread black & fine gold wire rib
Wings none
Tails pheasant tail fibers
Body pheasant tail & peacock herl
Hackle partridge hackle

Wrap thread onto the Wind pheasant tail fibers Select the desired num-
hook shank from about 1mm evenly to form the abdomen. ber of peacock herls and trim
behind the eye to the start of Select the desired number of the bases evenly. Tie in herl at
the hook bend. Tie in fine gold peacock herls and trim the bases the back part of the thorax and
wire with 5 tight wraps. Tie in evenly. Tie in herl at the start of wrap herl evenly to the thorax
the pheasant tail fibers by mak- the thorax and wrap herl evenly to front. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight
ing two loose wraps followed the front of the thorax. thread wraps. Since peacock herl
up with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Trim is somewhat fragile, it is a good
their bases. Tie in a section of idea to rib it with the fine wire.
about 5 long pheasant tail fibers.

Rib abdomen and tho- Select hackle for size and Whip finish head with 4
rax with about 10 winds of gold expose base by gently stripping to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wire. Secure with 5 tight thread off fibers. Tie in by base with and cut off excess thread. Place
wraps Trim away excess wire. two loose winds followed up a drop of head cement on knot.
with 3 to 5 tight winds. Convex
side of hackle faces the fly’s
body. Wrap hackle with 2 winds.
Tie off with 5 tight wraps.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 127


PMD Nymph

Fly Name
Hook 12-20
Thread black
Wings pheasant tail wing case
Tails wood duck
Body dubbing , ostrich herl, wire
& fine wire
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Tie in wire with 5 tight Attach pheasant tail fibers
hook shank from about 1mm wraps. Lightly dub waxed and ostrich herl with 5 tight
behind the eye to the start of the thread and evenly wind the body. wraps.
hook bend. Tie in the wood duck Secure with 5 tight wraps and
fibers by making two loose wraps trim off excess.
followed up with 3 to 5 tight
wraps.

Evenly wrap the ostrich Pull pheasant tail forward Whip finish head with 4
herl and tie off with 5 tight over the top of the thorax. Secure to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wraps. Trim off excess. Now with 5 tight wraps and trim away and cut off excess thread. Place
evenly rid the abdomen and excess. a drop of head cement on knot
thorax with the fine wire. Secure and allow it to penetrate both the
wire with 5 tight thread wraps. thread base and hackle stems.
Trim away excess.

128 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 129
Prince Nymph
Fly Name
Hook 6-14
Thread black
Wings 2 white goose biots
Tails 2 brown turkey biots
Body peacock herl & fine wire
Hackle partridge

Wrap thread onto the hook Select the desired num- Evenly wrap herl forward
shank etc. ber of peacock herls and trim the form the tail base to the front end
Tie in the two biots by bases evenly. Tie in herl at the of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
spreading them out into an X pat-
front part of the body and wrap tight thread wraps.
tern. First make two loose wraps
at the intersection of the X, then
herl evenly to the base of the tail.
follow up with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Advance the thread forward to
The tail’s position and length can the front end of the body.
be adjusted after the first two loose
wraps. Both tails should spread out
from each other.
Continue to wrap the tail’s
bases forward to where the body is
expected to end. This furnishes an
even base for the body.
Select hackle for proper
size and desired stiffness. Cut
stem at junction with webby and
stiff fibers. Strip away fibers
Tie in the two biots by exposing 2 to 3mm of stem. Tie
spreading them out into an X in stem with 2 loose wraps to
pattern. First make two loose place, followed up with 3 to 5
Evenly rib with the fine wraps at the intersection of the tight thread wraps. Concave side
wire and tie off with 5 tight turns. X, then follow up with 3 to 5 of hackle is opposite of body.
tight wraps. The wing’s position Wind hackle evenly for-
and length can be adjusted after ward to 1mm behind hook eye.
the first two loose wraps. Both Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread
wings should spread out from wraps.
each other. Secure with 5 tight
thread wraps. Trim away the
bases.
130 Nymphs
The Prince Nymph is a general purpose fly which
imitates a wide variety of aquatic foods. It’s one of the favor-
ites to be fished with the strike indicator presentation. I find it
effective in streams with a good stonefly population.

Whip finish head with 4


to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 131


Salmon or Stonefly Nymph
Fly Name
Hook 2-8
Thread black
Wings none
Tails 2 goose biots
Body yarn, larva lace, ostrich
plume
Hackle grizzly died salmon

Wrap thread onto the Attach yarn and larva lace at hook bend. Secure with 5 tight
hook shank etc. Tie in the two wraps. Advance thread to start of thorax and tie in the hackle by its
biots by spreading them out into stem and tie in the ostrich plume. Secure with 5 tight wraps.
an X pattern. First make two
loose wraps at the intersection of
the X, then follow up with 3 to 5
tight wraps. The tail’s position
and length can be adjusted after
the first two loose wraps. Both
tails should spread out from each
other.

Wind yarn on abdomen Wind yarn on thorax Whip finish head with 4
and rib with the larva lace. Secure with very close wraps. This will to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
with 5 tight wraps. beef up the thorax. Secure with and cut off excess thread. Place
5 tight wraps. Cut off excess. a drop of head cement on knot
Wind on ostrich plume and and allow it to penetrate both the
secure with 5 tight wraps. Wind thread base and hackle stems.
on hackle and secure with 5 tight
wraps. Cut off excesses.

132 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 133
San Juan Worm
Fly Name
Hook 6-10
Thread red
Wings none
Tails
Body red ultra chenille
Hackle

Tie in thread at forward Attach the body material Wind fly head with 4 or 5
end of body with 3 to 5 tight close to the hook bend with 3 to tight wraps.
wraps. Wrap thread to the base 5 tight wraps of thread. Advance
of the tail. the thread to about 1 mm from
Tie in thread at forward the hook eye. Stretch the che-
end of body with 3 to 5 tight nille out and tie off at this point
wraps. Wrap thread to the base with 4 or 5 tight wraps.
of the tail.

Whip finish head with 4 Singe both ends with a


to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly lighter. This produces a natural
and cut off excess thread. Place taper.
a drop of head cement on knot.

134 Nymphs
This pattern mimics aquatic worms.
Fish it with a dead drift presentation 1 foot
over the bottom.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 135


Serendipity

Fly Name
Hook 12-20
Thread black
Wings wood duck fibers
Tails none
Body floss & dubbing
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Tie in floss at forward end Add a small amount of
hook shank from about 1mm of body with 3 to 5 tight wraps. dubbing to the thread and evenly
behind the eye to the start of the Wrap thread over floss to the base wind thorax. Secure with 5 tight
hook bend. of the tail. Wrap thread forward. wraps and trim away excess.
Evenly wrap floss forward
to front end of body. Tie off with
3 to 5 tight wraps.

Place wood duck fibers on Whip finish head with 4


top off shank. Secure with 5 tight to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wraps and trim off excess. Trim and cut off excess thread. Place
wing short so it looks like a wing a drop of head cement on knot.
case.

136 Nymphs
Scud
Fly Name
Hook 10-20
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body fine wire, dubbing, &
Flash-a-Bou strands
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Wax thread with a light coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
hook shank from about 1mm amount of dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers out evenly on thread. Twist
behind the eye to the start of the dubbing evenly on thread with thumb and forefinger.
hook bend. Tie in both wire and Wrap dubbed thread evenly forward to the front end of the
Flash-a-Bou with 5 tight wraps. body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
Note: it is common to either over or underestimate the dubbing
amount. It is easy to add more dubbing or pinch off excess dubbing.

Pull Flash-a-Bou over Whip finish head with 4


the top of the fly and secure with to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
5 tight wraps. Evenly rib body and cut off excess thread. Place
with wire and secure with 5 tight a drop of head cement on knot.
wraps. Trim away excesses. Pick out dubbing with a bobkin
needle so it is pulled downward.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 137


138 Nymphs
Sow Bug
Fly Name
Hook 14-22
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body dubbing, Flash-a-Bou,
tinsel, and fine wire
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Wax thread with a light coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
hook shank from about 1mm amount of dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers out evenly on thread. Twist
behind the eye to the start of the dubbing evenly on thread with thumb and forefinger.
hook bend. Attach fine wire and Wrap dubbed thread evenly forward to the front end of the
about 4 strands of Flash-a-Bou body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
with 5 tight wraps. Note: it is common to either over or underestimate the dubbing
amount. It is easy to add more dubbing or pinch off excess dubbing.

Fold Flash-a-Bou over Whip finish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut

the top of body and secure with off excess thread. Place a drop of head cement on knot.
5 tight wraps. Evenly rib body Take bobkin needle and pick out dubbing so it protrudes
with wire and secure with 5 tight laterally away from body.
wraps. Cut off excesses.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 139


Werner’s Shrimp

Fly Name
Hook 8-14
Thread black
Wings none
Tails deer hair
Body dubbing & fine wire
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the The tails base will serve Evenly wind dubbing to
hook shank from about 1mm as the shellback. Attach wire form the body. Secure with 5
behind the eye to the start of the with 5 tight wraps. Wax thread tight wraps.
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail with a light coat of wonder wax.
material by making two loose Apply a thin amount of dubbing.
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 Spread dubbing fibers out evenly
tight wraps. Attach hackle by its on thread.
stem with 5 tight wraps

Wind hackle in evenly Pull hair shellback forward Evenly rib the body with
spaced turns throughout the over the top of the hook shank and the fine wire and secure with 5
body. Secure with 5 tight thread secure with 5 tight wraps. Cut off tight thread wraps. Cut off excess
wraps. Cut off excess hackle. excess hair. wire.

140 Nymphs
Whip finish head with 4
to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 141


142 Nymphs
Woolly Worm

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 143


144 Nymphs
Zelon Mayfly Emerger

Fly Name
Hook 14-18
Thread black
Wings none
Tails zelon fibers
Body dubbing
Hackle wood duck fibers

Wrap thread onto the Wax thread with a light Evenly wind dubbing to
hook shank from about 1mm coat of wonder wax. Apply a form abdomen and secure with 5
behind the eye to the start of the thin amount of dubbing. Spread tight wraps.
hook bend. Tie in the zelon tail dubbing fibers out evenly on
material by making two loose thread. Evenly wrap dubbing to
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 form the abdomen. Secure with
tight wraps. 5 tight wraps.

Attach wood duck fibers Add more dubbing and Whip finish head with 4
evenly on both sides of the fly to wind on the thorax. Secure with to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
form its legs. Secure with 5 tight 5 tight wraps. Thoraxes are al- and cut off excess thread. Place
thread wraps. ways thicker than abdomens. a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate the
thread base.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 145


Zug Bug

Fly Name
Hook 6-14
Thread black
Wings turkey tail fibers
Tails peacock sword
Body peacock herl
Hackle partridge

Attach thread to shank Select the desired num- Evenly wrap herl forward
and wind the desired thread base. ber of peacock herls and trim the to form the body and tie off with
Select 3 peacock swords and tie bases evenly. Tie in herl at the 5 tight wraps. Trim away the
in with 2 loose wraps. Reposition front part of the body and wrap excess herl.
the tail to the desired place and herl evenly to the base of the tail.
length and secure with 5 tight Advance the thread forward to
wraps. Attach fine gold wire with the front end of the body.
5 tight wraps. Evenly wrap herl forward
from the tail base to the front end
of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5
tight thread wraps.

Wrap gold wire with Tie in wing case with 5 Wind hackle evenly for-
even spaces forward from the tail tight wraps. Select hackle for ward to 1mm behind hook eye.
base to the front end of the body. proper size and desired stiffness. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread
Usually 5 to 8 wraps are used. Cut stem at junction with webby wraps.
Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps. and stiff fibers. Tie in stem with Whip finish head with 4
2 loose wraps to place followed to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
up with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. and cut off excess thread. Place
Concave side of hackle is oppo- a drop of head cement on knot
site of body. and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.
146 Nymphs
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 147
148 Salmon/Steelhead
Salmon/
Steelhead

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 149


Bomber

Fly Name
Hook 8-1
Thread black
Wings hair
Tails hair
Body deer hair
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the Attach hackle by tip with Tie in a bundle of deer
hook shank from about 1mm 5 tight wraps. hair with 3 loose wraps. Tighten
behind the eye to the start of the the thread tension so the hollow
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail hair evenly flares around the
material by making two loose hook shank. Secure with 5 tight
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 wraps in front of the bundle.
tight wraps. Push the flared hair back to con-
dense the hair.

Whip finish head with 4


Repeat this last procedure until the body is full with condensed
to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
flared hair. It takes between 3 and 5 bundles to complete.
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems. Cut
off thread.

150 Salmon/Steelhead
With sharp scissors trim Re-attach thread behind Evenly wind hackle
the hair in a cigar shape. the hook eye. through the body and secure with
5 tight wraps..Trim off excess.

Tie in hair positioned Whip finish head with 4


towards the bend of the hook to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
with 2 loose wraps followed up and cut off excess thread. Place
by 3 to 5 tight wraps. The wing’s a drop of head cement on knot
length and position can be ad- and allow it to penetrate both the
justed after the loose wraps. The thread base and hackle stems.
wing should be slanted at a 45˚
angle to the hook shank.
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 151
Green Butt Skunk Purple

Fly Name
Hook 8-2/0
Thread black
Wings white hair
Tails red hair
Body chartruese chenille, purple
yarn and silver tinsel
Hackle purple guinea

Wrap thread onto the Tie in chenille with 5 tight Wrap chenille with 1
hook shank from about 1mm wraps. complete turn. Tie off with 5
behind the eye to the start of the tight thread wraps. Trim away
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail excess.
material by making two loose
wraps followed up with 3 to 5
tight wraps.

Tie in silver tinsel and Evenly wrap the yarn and Evenly wind the silver
purple yarn with 5 tight wraps. tie off with 5 tight thread wraps. tinsel rib and tie off with 5 tight
Advance thread to the forward wraps.
portion of the body.

152 Salmon/Steelhead
Select hackle for proper Whip finish head with 4
Tie in hair positioned to-
size and desired stiffness. Cut to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
wards the bend of the hook with
stem at junction with webby and and cut off excess thread. Place
2 loose wraps followed up by 3 to
stiff fibers. Strip away fibers a drop of head cement on knot
5 tight wraps. The wing’s length
exposing 2 to 3mm of stem. Tie and allow it to penetrate the
and position can be adjusted
in stem with 2 loose wraps to thread base, wing and hackle
after the loose wraps. The wing
place, followed up with 3 to 5 stems.
should be slanted at a 45˚ angle
tight thread wraps. Convex side
to the hook shank. Place a drop
of hackle is next to the body.
of head cement on windings to
Wind hackle evenly for-
further secure wing.
ward to 1mm behind hook eye.
Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread
wraps. Cut off to break away
excess hackle.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 153


Glo-Bug

Fly Name
Hook 2-10
Thread red
Wings none
Tails none
Body glo-bug yarn
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Tie on a thick clump of Whip finish head with 4
hook shank from about 1mm Glo-Bug yarn and secure with to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
behind the eye to the start of the 5 tight wraps. You may want to and cut off excess thread. Place a
hook bend. Wind to mid shank. include a small amount of yarn drop of head cement on knot and
that is a contrasting color. This allow it to penetrate the thread
will later look like an egg’s eye. base.

Pull yarn upwards and trim off level with sharp scissors. This
will form a rounded body.

154 Salmon/Steelhead
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 155
Polar Shrimp

Fly Name
Hook 10-2/0
Thread black
Wings white hair
Tails red hair
Body orange chenille
Hackle orange neck or saddle

Wrap thread onto the Attach the body material Wind chenille evenly on
hook shank from about 1mm with 3 to 5 tight wraps of thread. 3/4 of hook shank to form the
behind the eye to the start of Continue to wrap thread around body.
the hook bend. Tie in the hair the body material from the base
tail material by making two of the tail to the front end of the
loose wraps followed up with body. This makes an even under-
3 to 5 tight wraps. Continue body foundation.
with additional tight wraps
right to the base of the tail.

Select yarn or hair and position it with tip ends rearward. If hair is used, clean away fuzz and short
hairs. Wrap with 2 loose windings followed up with 3 to 5 tight windings. After the loose wraps the wing
can be repositioned or its length can be adjusted. Pull excess base material upwards and clip closely parallel
with hook shank. Wrap wing bases with thread. Place a drop of thin head cement to penetrate and to addi-
tionally secure wing.

Note: Wing should be slanted 45˚ backwards. If needed, tie in thread behind wing to reposition it upright.

156 Salmon/Steelhead
Select hackle for proper size and desired stiffness. Cut stem Whip finish head with 4
at junction with webby and stiff fibers. Strip away fibers exposing 2 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
to 3mm of stem. Tie in stem with 2 loose wraps to place followed up and cut off excess thread. Place
with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Convex side of hackle is adjacent to a drop of head cement on knot
body. Wind hackle evenly forward to 1mm behind hook eye. Tie off and allow it to penetrate both the
with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Cut off to break away excess hackle. thread base and hackle stems.
Short or slippery hackles require hackle pliers while long hackles can
be wound with fingers.

Excellent steelhead pattern for pre-spawn fish. Present it on a deep swing about 1 foot off the bot-
tom. The polar shrimp mimics drifting eggs and its attached white spawn sack.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 157


Purple Steelhead

Fly Name
Hook 8-2/0
Thread red
Wings purple marabou
Tails none
Body red thread
Hackle orange guinea

Tie in thread at forward Cut away base of Repeat by tying in


end of body with 3 to 5 tight marabou. Select another bunch another marabou bunch for-
wraps. Wrap thread to the base of marabou and tie it in for- ward to the last bunch. Trim
of the tail. Select marabou and ward of the first bunch. Secure off its base. Make sure that
position it with tip ends rear- with 3 to 5 tight windings. Trim all marabou tips are even in
ward. Wrap with 2 loose wind- marabou base. height.
ings followed up with 3 to 5 tight
windings. After the loose wraps
the marabou can be repositioned
or its length can be adjusted.

Repeat this same process Select hackle for size and stiffness. Expose tip by gently strok-
until 4 bunches of marabou is in ing back fibers. Tie in by base with two loose winds followed up with
place. 3 to 5 tight winds. Convex side of hackle faces the fly’s body. Evenly
wrap hackle 2 or 3 turns. Tie off hackle with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps.
Either trim away excess or pull backward and break stem off at wind-
ings.

158 Salmon/Steelhead
Whip finish head with 4
to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

I prefer to swing this fly through the slower current sections in which steelhead frequent. The
marabou is easily activated by the slightest movement. It is a good producer when the water is stained
or the light intensity is low.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 159


Red Butt Skunk
Fly Name
Hook 8-2/0
Thread black
Wings white hair
Tails red hair
Body red chenille, purple mohair
yarn
Hackle purple guinea

Wrap thread onto the Tie in red chenille and Wrap yarn evenly and
hook shank from about 1mm make 1 wrap. Trim away trim away the excess after secur-
behind the eye to the start of the excess chenille and tie in the ing it with 5 firm wraps.
hook bend. Tie in the hair tail mohair yarn adjacent to the
material by making two loose chenille. Tie in ribbing material
wraps followed up with 3 to 5 at the base of the tail. Advance
tight wraps. Continue with ad- thread forward to the end of the
ditional tight wraps right to the body.
base of the tail. Continue wrap-
ping the hair forward to where
the body is expected to end.
Select yarn or hair and
position it with tip ends rear-
ward. If hair is used, clean
away fuzz and short hairs.
Wrap with 2 loose
windings followed up with 3
to 5 tight windings. After the
Wrap ribbing material loose wraps the wing can be
with even spaces forward from repositioned or its length can be adjusted.
the tail base to the front end of Pull excess base material upward and clip closely parallel
the body. Usually 5 to 8 wraps with hook shank. Wrap wing bases with thread.
are used. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight Place a drop of thin head cement to penetrate and to addi-
wraps. tionally secure wing.

Note: Wing should be slanted 45% backwards. If needed, tie in


thread behind wing to reposition it upright.

160 Salmon/Steelhead
Select hackle for size and stiffness. Tie in by base Whip finish head with 4
with two loose winds followed up with 3 to 5 tight winds. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
Convex side of hackle faces the fly’s body and cut off excess thread. Place
Evenly wrap hackle forward to the end of the a drop of head cement on knot
body. If hackle is short or difficult to grasp use a hackle and allow it to penetrate both the
pliers, otherwise use your thumb and forefinger. Tie off thread base and hackle stems.
hackle with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Either trim away
excess or pull backwards and break stem off at windings.

This is a good fly


for steelhead during clear
water and well lit condi-
tions. Present it with the
wet fly swing or the grease
line method at the surface
or just above the bottom.
I also like to
change to this fly when I
have just missed a fish on a
darker pattern. This change
seems to bring on a whole
new bite.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 161


Skunk

Fly Name
Hook 10-2/0
Thread black
Wings white hair
Tails red hair
Body black chenille, silver tinsel
Hackle black hackle

Wrap thread onto the hook Attach the chenille with Wrap ribbing material with
shank from about 1mm behind the 3 to 5 tight wraps of thread. even spaces forward from the tail
eye to the start of the hook bend. Continue to wrap thread around base to the front end of the body.
Tie in the hair tail material by mak- the body material from the base Usually 5 to 8 wraps are used. Tie
ing two loose wraps followed up off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
of the tail to the front end of
with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Continue
the body. This makes an even
with additional tight wraps right
to the base of the tail. Continue underbody foundation.
wrapping the hair forward to where Tie in tinsel at the base
the body is expected to end. This of the tail. Wind chenille evenly
provides an even base for the on 3/4 of hook shank to form
body. the body. Secure with 3 thread
wraps.

Select yarn or hair and position it with tip ends rearward. If hair is used, clean away fuzz and short
hairs. Wrap with 2 loose windings followed up with 3 to 5 tight windings. After the loose wraps the wing
can be repositioned or its length can be adjusted.
Pull excess base material upwards and clip closely parallel with hook shank. Wrap wing bases with
thread. Place a drop of thin head cement to penetrate and to additionally secure wing.

Note: Wing should be slanted 45˚ backwards. If needed, tie in thread behind wing to reposition it upright.

162 Salmon/Steelhead
Select hackle for size and Wind hackle evenly for- Whip finish head with 4
stiffness. Expose tip by gently ward to 1mm behind hook eye. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
stroking back fibers. Tie in by tip Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread and cut off excess thread. Place
with two loose winds followed wraps. Cut off to break away a drop of head cement on knot
up with 3 to 5 tight winds. Con- excess hackle. Short or slippery and allow it to penetrate both the
vex side of hackle faces the fly’s hackles require hackle pliers thread base and hackle stems.
body while long hackles can be wound
with fingers.

The skunk pattern is one of my favorite steelhead flies. I fish it on the swing and grease line presen-
tations. It works at the surface and in the depths. An excellent variation is to substitute purple chenille and
purple guinea hen hackle for the traditional black material colors.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 163


Wally Waker

Fly Name
Hook 6-1/0
Thread black
Wings moose
Tails moose
Body deer hair
Hackle moose

Wrap thread onto the hook Select a 4 match stick sized bundle of deer hair and tie it in
shank from about 1mm behind the with 3 loose wraps..Tighten the thread tension and the hair will both
eye to the start of the hook bend. flare and spin evenly around the hook shank. Secure with 5 tight
Tie in the hair tail material by wraps immediately in front of this flared hair .
making two loose wraps followed
up with 3 to 5 tight wraps. Con-
tinue wrapping the hair forward to
where the body is expected to end.

Repeat the previous pro- Repeat the previous pro- Repeat the previous pro-
cedure. cedure with a contrasting color cedure with the original colored
of hair. Here the first 2 bundles hair bundle.
were orange and the contrasting
one is black.

164 Salmon/Steelhead
Whip finish head with 4 Shape the body by trim- Re-attach the tying thread
to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly ming it with a sharp pair of scis- by wrapping at least 10 wraps
and cut off excess thread. Place sors. Make an evenly rounded around itself in an even manner.
a drop of head cement on knot bullet shape.
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hair stems. Cut
thread.

Tie in the moose hair Likewise tie in moose hair as a beard but have it slant 45
wing so it slants 45 degrees for- degrees backwards The same procedure as the last one is followed.
ward. The first 2 wraps are loose When completed the wing and beard should be line up in a straight
ones so the wing can be precisely line.
positioned. Then follow up with Whip finish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and
5 tight reaps to secure. Another cut off excess thread. Place a drop of head cement on knot and al-
thread bump immediately in front low it to penetrate both the thread base and hackle stems.
of the wing may be required.
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 165
166 Salt Water
Salt
Water

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 167


168 Salt Water
Crazy Charlie

Fly Name
Hook 8-2
Thread black
Wings grizzly hackle
Tails none
Body braided tinsel
Hackle hair

Wrap thread onto the Attach braided tinsel in Attach a pair of bead
hook shank from about 1mm front part of the body area with 5 chain eyes by tightly wrapping
behind the eye to the start of the tight wraps. thread in a series of figure 8
hook bend. wraps between the eye’s stem
and hook. Add a drop of head
cement to windings.

Evenly wind braid back Tie in a beard of hair directly underneath the hook shank with
down to bend and back up to the 2 loose wraps. Reposition hair for desired length and position. Secure
front part of the body. Secure with 5 tight wraps. Trim away the excess. Next tie in a grizzly hackle
with 5 tight wraps. on each side of the hair. Again start with 2 loose wraps, adjust place-
ment, and secure with 5 tight wraps.
Whip finish head with 4 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly and cut
off excess thread. Place a drop of head cement on knot and allow it to
penetrate both the thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 169


Deceiver

Fly Name
Hook 2-6/0
Thread black
Wings hair
Tails none
Body braided tinsel & stick-on
eyes
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Evenly wrap braid to Tie in a clump of hair
hook shank from about 1mm front end of the body. Secure underneath the hook shank with 3
behind the eye to the start of the with 5 tight wraps. loose wraps. Carefully reposition
hook bend. Attach braided tinsel so it’s directly underneath and
with 5 tight wraps advancing the desired length. Once in place
thread forward to the end of the secure with 5 tight wraps.
body.

Repeat the last procedure Trim away the hair butts Whip finish head with 4
but this time place the hair on top and evenly wind the head. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
of the hook. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot.
Place stick-on eyes and coat the
head area with 5 minute epoxy.

170 Salt Water


Tarpon

Fly Name
Hook 2-4/0
Thread red
Wings none
Tails white hackle
Body thread
Hackle red

Attach thread base to the Attach a large red neck Whip finish head with 4
complete hook shank. Select 6 hackle by its stripped stem with 5 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
to 8 large white neck hackles and tight wraps. Wrap thread up and and cut off excess thread. Place
match them up so that their con- down the hook shank to form the several drops of head cement on
vex sides are outwards from each body. Use a large diameter thread the knot and body and allow it
other. Tie in as the tail with about such as size A. It will require to penetrate the thread base and
3 loose thread loops. Adjust their several passes to form this body. hackle stems.
position and when in the desired Once in place wind the red hackle
place secure with 5 tight thread with at least 4 or 5 turns. Secure
wraps. Trim away the excess. with 5 tight thread wraps. Wind
Add several drops of head ce- thread forward to the eye of the
ment and allow it to penetrate hook.
through the thread and hackle
stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 171


172 Streamers (Baitfish)
Streamers
(Baitfish)

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 173


174 Streamers (Baitfish)
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 175
176 Streamers (Baitfish)
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 177
Egg-Sucking Leach

Fly Name
Hook 10-4
Thread black
Wings none
Tails Marabou
Body chenille
Hackle black

Wrap thread onto the Attach the body material with 3 to 5 tight wraps of thread.
hook shank from about 1mm Continue to wrap thread around the body material from the base of the
behind the eye to the start of the tail to the front end of the body. This makes an even under body foun-
hook bend. Tie in the marabou dation.
by making two loose wraps fol-
lowed up with 3 to 5 tight wraps.

Select hackle for size and stiffness. Expose tip by gently strok- Tie in orange chenille
ing back fibers. Tie in by tip with two loose winds followed up with 3 with 5 tight wraps. Evenly wind
to 5 tight winds. Convex side of hackle faces the fly’s body 2 turns and secure with 5 tight
After the body is completed, evenly wrap hackle from tail base wraps.
Whip finish head with 4
to forward end of body. If hackle is short or difficult to grasp use a to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
hackle pliers, otherwise use your thumb and forefinger. Tie off hackle and cut off excess thread. Place
with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps. Either trim away excess or pull back- a drop of head cement on knot.
wards and break stem off at windings.
178 Streamers (Baitfish)
Matuka Streamer

Fly Name
Hook 8-2
Thread black
Wings Olive died grizzly hackle
Tails none
Body yellow mohair yarn
Hackle olive died grizzly hackle

Wrap thread onto the Attach wire at hook bend and secure with 5 tight wraps.
hook shank from about 1mm Advance thread forward. Attach yarn just behind the hook eye and
behind the eye to the start of the evenly wrap it with thread down to the hook bend. Advance thread
hook bend. back to area where the yarn was first tied in. Evenly wrap yarn to
form the body and secure with 5 tight wraps

Select 4 evenly matched Hold hackles directly on Tie in hackle by its stem
hackles. Place 2 together with top of hook shank and evenly with 5 tight wraps. Evenly wind
convex sides matching. Make rub over them with the wire. hackle and tie off with 5 tight
another matching pair. Face both Secure wire with 5 tight wraps. wraps. Trim away excess.
pairs together so their curvatures Trim off excess wire. Take Whip finish head with 4
are next to each other. Tie in 4 bobkin and puck out the hackle to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
hackles by the base stems. Secure fibers that were ribbed down. and cut off excess thread. Place
with 5 tight wraps. These will stick out like they a drop of head cement on knot
were segmented. and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 179


180 Streamers (Baitfish)
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 181
Muddler Minnow

Fly Name
Hook 10-2
Thread black
Wings chickabou marabou
Tails chickabou marabou
Body gold flat tinsel
Hackle deer hair

Wrap thread onto the Tie in flat tinsel at for- Attach marabou wing with
hook shank from about 1mm ward end of body with 3 to 5 2 loose wraps. Reposition wing to
behind the eye to the start of the tight wraps. Wrap tinsel over desired location and secure with 5
hook bend. Tie in the marabou thread to the base of the tail. tight wraps.
tail material by making two Wrap tinsel forward. Tie off with
loose wraps followed up with 3 3 to 5 tight wraps.
to 5 tight wraps.

Take a bunch of deer hair the size of 2 match sticks and attach it to the hook with 3 loose thread
wraps. Tighten the tension and the hollow hair will spin and flare around the hook shank. Secure with 5
tight wraps. Repeat this process 1 or 2 more times until the head area is full of spun hair. Secure with 5 tight
wraps and whip finish. Place a drop of head cement in thread wraps.

182 Streamers (Baitfish)


Clip hair with scissors to a
bullet like shape.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 183


Platte River Special

Fly Name
Hook 10-1
Thread black
Wings white & yellow hackle
Tails none
Body brown chenille
Hackle yellow

Tie in thread base under- Evenly wind the chenille Match up 2 white hack-
neath the body. Attach the body and tie off with 5 tight wraps. les for size and position them
material with 3 to 5 tight wraps Cut off excess. with their convex sides together.
of thread. Continue to wrap Tie on top of hook with 2 loose
thread around the body mate- wraps, reposition in desired
rial from the base of the tail to place. Secure with 5 tight wraps.
the front end of the body. This Trim away excess.
makes an even underbody foun-
dation.

Place a yellow hackle Attach another yellow Whip finish head with 4
with its concave side adjacent to hackle by its stem with 5 tight to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
the white hackle and tie in with 2 thread wraps. Evenly wind and cut off excess thread. Place
loose wraps. This is done on both hackle and secure with 5 tight a drop of head cement on knot
sides of the white hackles. Reposi- wraps. Trim away excess. and allow it to penetrate both the
tion hackles in their exact places. thread base and hackle stems.
Hold hackles as you secure with 5
tight wraps. Trim off excess.

184 Streamers (Baitfish)


Rainbow Trout Bead Chain

Fly Name
Hook 10-2
Thread red
Wings blue and white hair
Tails none
Body flat silver tinsel, bead chain
Hackle none

Wrap thread onto the Tie in a pair of bead chain Tie in the white hair on
hook shank from about 1mm eyes with tight figure 8 wrap- top of the hook with 2 loose
behind the eye to the start of the pings. Cement in place with wraps . Adjust its placement and
hook bend. super glue. when in desired spot lash down
Tie in flat tinsel at for- with 5 tight wraps.
ward end of body with 3 to 5
tight wraps. Wrap tinsel over
thread to the base of the tail.
Wrap tinsel forward. Tie off with
3 to 5 tight wraps.

Repeat the last procedure Whip finish head with 4


but tie the blue hair on the bottom to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
of the hook. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both
the thread base and hair stems.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 185


186 Streamers (Baitfish)
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 187
Zonker

Fly Name
Hook 6-1
Thread black
Wings rabbit fur on the hide
Tails none
Body mylar piping
Hackle red

Wrap thread onto the Place rabbit hide over the Wrap thread onto the
hook shank from about 1mm top of the hook shank. When in hook shank from about 1mm
behind the eye to the start of the the desired spot lash down with behind the eye.
hook bend. Place hollowed out 5 tight wraps and whip finish
mylar over the hook (the hook is thread. Cut off excess thread.
inside the piping) and tie down Place a drop of head cement over
in the tail section with 5 tight thread.
wraps.

Fold over rabbit hide and Tie in red hackle by its Whip finish head with 4
hold in place while its secured stem with 5 tight wraps. Evenly to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
with 5 tight wraps. Trim away wind hackle and secure with 5 and cut off excess thread. Place
excess hide. tight wraps. a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate both the
thread base and hackle stems.

188 Streamers (Baitfish)


Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 189
190 Terrestrials
Terrestrials

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 191


Ant

Fly Name
Hook 12-20
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body black dubbing
Hackle grizzly

Wrap thread onto the hook shank from about 1mm behind the Attach hackle by its stem
eye to the start of the hook bend. with 5 tight wraps.
Wax thread with a light coat of wonder wax. Apply a thin
amount of dubbing. Spread dubbing fibers out evenly on thread. Twist
dubbing evenly on thread with thumb and forefinger.
Wrap dubbed thread evenly forward to the middle of the body.
Tie off with 3 to 5 tight wraps.
Note: it is common to either over or underestimate the dubbing
amount. It is easy to add more dubbing or pinch off excess dubbing.

Evenly wind hackle with Add more dubbing to the Whip finish head with 4
about 4 turns. Secure with 5 thread and evenly wind thorax. to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
tight wraps. Cut off excess. Secure with 5 tight wraps. and cut off excess thread. Place
a drop of head cement on knot.

192 Terrestrials
Beetle

Fly Name
Hook 10-18
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body foam body & peacock herl
Hackle moose hair

Wrap thread onto the Select the desired number of peacock herls and trim the bases
hook shank from about 1mm evenly. Tie in herl at the front part of the body and wrap herl evenly
behind the eye to the start of to the base of the tail. Advance the thread forward to the front end of
the hook bend. Attach a strip of the body. Evenly wrap herl forward from the tail base to the front end
foam with 2 loose wraps. Re- of the body. Tie off with 3 to 5 tight thread wraps.
position it so it is on top of the
hook shank. Hold in place while
you secure it with 5 tight wraps.

Attach moose hair as a Fold over foam and attach Whip finish head with 4
beard with 2 loose wraps. Adjust with 2 loose wraps. Hold in place to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
its position and when in place as you secure it with 5 tight wraps. and cut off excess thread. Place
secure with 5 tight thread wraps. Trim away excess. a drop of head cement on knot
and allow it to penetrate.

Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 193


Cricket

Fly Name
Hook 6-10
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body black foam
Hackle knotted pheasant tail fibers

Wrap thread onto the Cut foam tubing in half Fold tubing over the top
hook shank from about 1mm lengthwise. Attach at rear of hook of the hook and secure where
behind the eye to the start of the shank with 2 loose wraps. Repo- shown with 5 tight wraps.
hook bend. sition tubing so cut section will
be on top of the hook shank when
folded over. Secure with 5 tight
wraps.

Select 2 pre-knotted Advance thread and again Whip finish head with 4
sections of died black pheasant fold over the foam. Secure with 5 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
tail. Attach them with 2 loose tight wraps. Trim foam so a head and cut off excess thread. Place a
thread wraps. Reposition so legs like protrusion sticks out. Secure drop of head cement on knot and
are evenly spread apart. Secure with 5 tight wraps. allow it to penetrate the thread
with 5 tight thread wraps. base.

194 Terrestrials
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 195
Foam Hopper
Fly Name
Hook 10-4
Thread black
Wings 2 grizzly hackles
Tails none
Body pre-formed foam body
Hackle elastic legs

Wrap thread onto the Attach foam body with 2 Advance thread up to next
hook shank from about 1mm loose wraps. Reposition body in tie in point on the body. Again
behind the eye to the start of the exact desired location . Secure secure with 2 loose wraps fol-
hook bend. with 5 tight wraps lowed up with 5 tight wraps. Hold
the body in place while lashing it
down.

Attach 2 hackles in an up- Tie in elastic legs in the Whip finish head with 4
right position with 2 loose wraps. same manner. That is attach first to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
Hold in place while you secure with 2 loose wraps and while and cut off excess thread. Place
them with 5 tight wraps. Trim holding them in place secure them a drop of head cement on knot
excess. with 5 tight wraps. and allow it to penetrate the
thread base.

196 Terrestrials
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 197
Simple Foam Hopper

Fly Name
Hook 10-4
Thread black
Wings none
Tails none
Body pre-formed foam
Hackle elastic fibers

Wrap thread onto the Attach foam body with Advance thread up to
hook shank from about 1mm 2 loose wraps. Reposition body next tie in point on the body.
behind the eye to the start of the in exact desired location. Secure Again secure with 2 loose wraps
hook bend. with 5 tight wraps followed up with 5 tight wraps.
Hold the body in place while
lashing it down.

Tie in elastic legs in the Whip finish head with 4


same manner. Attach first with 2 to 8 turns. Pull tag end firmly
loose wraps and while holding and cut off excess thread. Place
them in place secure them with 5 a drop of head cement on knot
tight wraps. and allow it to penetrate the
thread base.

198 Terrestrials
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 199
Index

Diving Mayfly
Egg-Layer 110
Dragonfly Nymph 111
Adams 32 Egg Sucking Leech 178
Adult Midge 34 Elk Hair Caddis Grizzly 44
Ant 192 Elk Hair Caddis 43
Aquatic Worm (red) 93 Elk Hair Mayfly 45
Aquatic Worm (tan) 92 Floating Nymph 112
Bass Woolly Bugger 80 Foam Beetle 84
Bass Worm 81 Foam Hopper Wings 196
Bead Head Prince Foam Popper 85
Nymph 95 Goddard Caddis 46
Beetle 193 Golden Stonefly Nymph 113
Big Yellow Mayfly 96 Gray Caddis 48
Black Nose Dace 174 Gray Drake Nymph 114
Blue Wing Olive BWO 35 Gray Drake Spinner 47
Bomber 150 Green Butt Skunk 152
Brassie 97 Purple
Brown Trout Bead Glo-Bug 154
chain 175 Green Drake 49
Caddis Worm 98 Griffith’s Gnat 50
Callibaetis Nymph 102 Hare’s Ear Clinger 115
Callibaetis 36 Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle 116
Canadian Leech 99 Hare’s Ear Swimmer 117
CDC BWO Biot Dun 38 Henry’s Fork Caddis 52
CDC Caddis 40 Hexagenia Mayfly 54
CDC Dun Emerger 105 Hopper (hair) 197
CDC Yellow Sally 41 Humpy 56
Chub Streamer 176 Irresistible 57
Clouser 168 King Salmon 88
Clouser 177 Lake fly Emerger 118
Compara Dun 42 Light Cahill 58
Crayfish 100 Matuka Streamer 179
Crazy Charlie 169 Mayfly Spinner 59
Cricket (hair) 195 Mickey Finn 180
Cricket Foam 194 Midge Emerger 120
Damselfly Nymph 106 Midge Larva 122
Deceiver 170 Mosquito 60
Deep Caddis Pupa 109 Muddler Minnow
Deer Hair Popper 82 Chickabou 181
Diving BWO 108 Muddler Minnow 182
200 Terrestrials
Pale Morning Dun PMD 62 Woolly Worm 143
Parachute Adams 63 Yellow Sally 77
Partridge Caddis 64 Zelon Caddis Pupa 144
Peeking Caddis 124 Zelon Mayfly Emerger 145
Pheasant Tail Clinger 126 Zonker 188
Pheasant Tail Zug Bug 146
Soft Hackle 127
Platte River Special 184

PMD Nymph 128


Polar Shrimp 156
Prince Nymph 130
Purple Steelhead 158
Rainbow Trout
Bead Chain 185
Red Butt Skunk 160
Rogue River Chinook
Salmon 89
Royal Coachman 66
Royal Coachman
Downwing 68
Royal Wulff 69
Salmon fly ( Stonefly)
Nymph 132
Salmon Fly Dry 70
San Juan Worm 134
Scud 137
Sculpin 186
Serendipity 136
Simple Foam Hopper 198
Skunk 162
Soft Hackle Olive 138
Sow Bug 139
Sparkle Spinner 72
Stimulator Caddis 76
Tarpon 171
Wally Waker 164
WD 40 142
Werner’s Shrimp 140
Woolly Bugger 187
Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby 201
Fly Tying: an Enjoyable Hobby

Enter your own classroom with international author David W. Young who has been
tying and designing his own flies since 1957. His interest and creativity in fly tying led to
a degree in dentistry. Learn the tricks and fundamental techniques of tying flies for trout,
salmon, steelhead, bass, panfish, and salt water fish. Also, learn how to bring back an insect
sample you’ve taken from your home water and tie a better fly pattern that will out fish the
commercial ones.

Included in this book are step-by-step detailed photos teaching you the fundaments
of fly tying; coaching you on tool usage, hook selection, and material choice using them to
tie over 100 of the best fly patterns. With simple substitutions of materials you can tie over
1,000 fly patterns.

It’s easy to start fly tying by using these basics, select the fly you want to tie, and then
tie along with the steps demonstrated in sharp colorful photographs.

This instructional colorful book is for the beginner as well as the seasoned fly tier.

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