Dry Fly Patterns

Dry flies for Salmon and Steelhead fishing take on some very different forms. Probably the most recognizable is the Bomber as pictured here. It is a simple to tie spun deer hair pattern that works as well as anything when the fish are on the rise.

Next we have Skaters, flies that are designed to “skate” across the waters surface similar to fishing a fly with the riffling hitch technique. These patterns also use a good amount of spun deer hair and forward facing wings. All feather versions similar to a large Bi-Visible are also used mostly for Atlantic Salmon.

Finally we have standard dry fly patterns only tied on larger salmon hooks usually sizes 6 and 8. Trout patterns such as Irresistible, Humpy, Royal Coachman and Wulff all of which can be tied quite large and dense.

Bomber (Green-White Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC300, Thread- Black 6/0, Hackle- White Tied in heavy thick collar, Wings- Two tufts of white calf's tail tied upright and separated, Body- Bright green dyed deer hair spun and trimmed to shape tapering towards rear, Ribbing- Palmered white hackle running entire length of body, Tail- White calf's tail short and thick.

Green Butt Buck Bug Pattern Recipe: Hook- Mustad7970, Thread- Black 6/0, Body- Natural deer hair spun and trimmed to shape tapering towards rear, Ribbing- Palmered Brown hackle running entire length of body, Butt- Red and Chartreuse floss bands, Tail- Golden pheasant crest.

Steelhead Bee Pattern Recipe: Hook- Mustad 9671, Thread- Brown 6/0, Tail- Red Fox Squirrel tail, Body- Purple/Brown wool, center band Yellow wool, Hackle- Brown hen, Wing- Red Fox Squirrel divided and set foreword.

Steelhead Skater ( Orange Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC105, Thread- Orange 6/0, Wing- Natural elk tied upright and forward, Body- Wound Orange 6/0 thread , Back- Natural elk hair flared out to sides 180 degrees, Tail Natural elk short and thick.

Waller Waker (Bumblebee Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC7999, Thread- Black 3/0, Wing, Natural dark elk hair tied upright and foreword, Throat- Dark moose hair tied back, Body, Dyed black deer hair spun and trimmed to shape with dark rust colored dyed deer hair band in center, Tail- Dark moose hair medium length and thick.