Hand-tied fly

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This is a subtle but important modification. We've taken the classic soft-hackle pattern and added a sparse, split tail of brown hackle fibers, which will improve the fly's stability in the current and better mimic the emerging mayfly dun. Here is the updated recipe and tying notes for this specific variation.

Hook

Standard wet fly hook (e.g., Mustad 3906), sizes 12-16.

Thread

Brown 8/0 or 70 denier.

Tail

A sparse, split bunch of brown hen hackle fibers, about one hook shank in length.

Body

Stripped brown goose biot (or similar quill substitute).

Hackle

Hungarian partridge feather, natural brown/grey, tied collar style.

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Start the thread at the 2/3 point on the hook shank.

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Tie in a sparse, split tail at the bend, making sure it's the length of the hook shank.

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Secure the thread back down to the bend. Tie in a stripped brown goose biot by the tip at the bend.

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Advance the thread forward to the 2/3 point.

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Carefully wrap the goose biot forward to create a segmented quill body, tying it off at the 2/3 point. Trim excess.

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Prepare a Hungarian partridge feather by stripping the fluff from the base and strobing the fibers back.

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Tie in the feather by the tip at the 2/3 point. Make 1.5 to 2 turns of hackle, ensuring fibers sweep back.

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Whip finish and form a small, neat head. Apply a drop of head cement.

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This modified pattern is an excellent searching pattern for when trout are feeding on emerging mayflies. The split tail gives it a very lifelike profile.

Details

Imitates

Mayfly

Targets

Trout, Grayling

Hook size

12-16

Colors

Brown, Tan