Mid-February can seem like purgatory for the fly angler– ice is sneaking off the edges however hatches are still weeks away, and the boat ramp seems like a remote memory. The remedy, as constantly, is a packed bobbin and a function.
Today’s Tying Tuesday brings 4 patterns that cover major ground: Cheech’s updated Wedge Head Trout Slider, a scuba diver that darts and pulses; Rob Streeter’s Articulated Jerk Fly, developed to mimic the death-spiral of a passing away baitfish and crafted for warmwater carnage; Tom Rosenbauer’s Bunny Foot Emerger, a stealthily easy surface area movie pattern; and the ever-reliable Frenchie.
From the banner addict removing heavy articulated meat to the technical perfectionist, there’s something here to keep your hands hectic and your mind on the water. So warm up the coffee, fire up the UV light, and put a couple of brand-new tools in package before spring shows up.
Wedge Head Trout Slider
Hook: Gamakatsu B10S, size 2
Thread: Veevus GSP 100 Denier
Tail: Select Marabou (white)
Flash: Pearl Krystal Flash
Body: Polar Chenille and Marabou plumes
Collar: Mallard Flank plume
Head: Flymen Fishing Co. Wedge Head (Medium)
Eyes: 5mm Living Eyes
Adhesive: Loctite 401 and UV Resin
Bunny Foot Emerger
Hook: Fulling Mill 5025 or comparable emerger hook (sizes 14– 20)
Thread: 8/0 or 12/0 in Tan or Olive
Routing Shuck: Amber Z-Lon or Antron yarn
Body: Tan or Olive Superfine calling (match the hatch)
Wing: Hair from a Snowshoe Bunny foot
Thorax: A little darker shade of Superfine or bunny dubbing
The Frenchie
Hook: Jig Hook (sizes 12– 16)
Bead: Slotted Tungsten (Gold or Copper)
Thread: 70 Denier Fluorescent Pink
Tail: Coq de Leon fibers
Ribbing: Little Copper Wire
Body: Natural Pheasant Tail fibers
Thorax: UV Pink Ice Dub
Articulated Jerk Fly
Rear Hook: Gamakatsu B10S, size 2
Front Hook: Gamakatsu B10S, size 2/0
Thread: 210 Denier (white or olive)
Tail: White Bucktail
Flash: Pearl Flashabou
Expression: 20 pound stainless-steel wire and 2mm plastic beads
Body: Olive Ostrich Herl and Olive Bucktail
Eyes: 6mm 3D Holographic Eyes
Head: UV Clear Fly End Up (Thin and Thick)