Fly Of The Month

Feb 2003

1. After all short fibers are removed, tie in the prepared Black Polar fiber or Bucktail with the tapered ends facing toward the hook eye and secure with thread wraps.

2. Using a pushing tool, even a pen cap will work well here, push all fibers evenly to the rear.

3. When the fibers are to the rear, grasp them with the material hand and bring the tying thread forward underneath the bucktail/polar fiber.

4. Wrap the thread directly and evenly around the forward most portion of the bucktail and control the flare with thread tension and thread position.

4. This method used to attach the bucktail/polar fiber completely around the hook in one step. Position bucktail where needed. Wrap two or three times around bucktail and allow the bobbin weight to hold
fibers in place. By using the forefinger and thumb together, pinch the butt ends top to bottom and then side to side to equally distribute the fibers 360 degrees around hook shank.

6. Once fibers are in the desired position, tighten thread and tie down. As you work to the eye of the hook, take care to make the V space on top for the flat wing. Repeat procedure as needed to complete tying.

7. Blue Angel hair and black holograph flash should be worked in with the bucktail/polar fiber. Two tone effects can also be achieved.

8. This particular step shows how by bringing the thread totally in front of the bucktail and wrapping rearward against the fibers, the bucktail/polar fiber/angel hair will remain open.

9. Hook shank is now almost filled. Tie in the Blue dyed grizzly hackle leaving some of the web on the hackle. On the larger fly tie in the peacock herl to flow along the flat hackle on the top of the fly. The hackle is at least 6 inches long, with the peacock herl extending beyond the hackle.

10. Finish the head and add the eyes to each side.

11. A quick look from behind will illustrate evidence of it's hollow construction.

12. One more step! Totally wet the fly with hot water to train the fibers to conform to a smoothly tapered profile. Allow the fly to completely dry on its own and you will have one of the best looking flys in your fly box.

Thanks to the Atlantic Salt Water Flyrodders supplying the basic pattern developed by Bob Popovics.