Westcoast Flyfishers Association (WFA) - Sooke BC

by Robin Pike

 

Step 1: Select 6-8 Ringneck pheasant tail fibers. To get the ends even, pull the fibers out 90 degrees from the quill before cutting. Next, attach the fibers to the hook as shown. The length of the tail should be half to three quarters the hook shank length.

 

 

Step 2: Select between 6-10 peacock tail fibers and trim off the uneven ends (skinny ends). Attach the trimmed ends near the end of the hook and twist the herl around your tying thread into a chenille-like cord. Wind the herl cord clockwise towards a point 2/3 up the hook shank and cut off the excess material. On bigger sized flies I like to make the body taper up to the thorax.

 

 

Step 3

 

 

 

 

Step 4: Select another clump of peacock herl (6-10 fibers) and attach to the hook using the same method as used for the body. Wind the herl cord clockwise to the hook eye ensuring to leave room for the head. Secure with tying thread and cut the excessive material. Next, pull the wingcase over the thorax and secure with two wraps of tying thread. Now, divide the clump of fibers in half and pull down towards the hook point. Secure and position the legs with two wraps of tying thread. When happy with the positioning, further secure and build a small head. Finally, whip finish and apply head cement.

 

 

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