Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure

Winter is finally here, meat is in the freezer, and it is now time to start tying those patterns for next season. While many people fish the “stars” of hatches; mayflies, hoppers, and caddis… terrestrials are often overlooked. A good beetle or ant pattern will produce when the fish have seen every pattern you throw. Here is a very productive beetle pattern for you to try. Give us a call if you have questions, or to sign up for our winter classes in fly tying or rod building.

FOAM BEETLE PATTERN

Hook: Standard dry fly 12-14

Thread: Black 6/0

Body: Peacock Herl, six strands (you can also use a dubbing loop)

Back: Black closed cell foam (a strip as wide as the hook gap)

Post: Polypropylene Yarn, yellow orange mixed

Hackle: Grizzly (twice the size of the hook gap)

Legs: Pheasant, four knotted

Step 1: Secure thread at eye and run to bend and then back to above point. Cut foam to a point and attach. Run thread part way down bend.

Step 2: Tie in peacock herl. Twist with thread to form a rope. Wrap 2/3 of shank. Fold foam forward and tie down. Don’t stretch the foam too tight! Make two loose wraps with thread; pull tight, then two tight wraps. Lift foam and make a few wraps around shank just in front of wraps that secured the foam. Then go back over original tie in point with a few more wraps. This should build a gap for the post. Trim excess foam and make a nice rounded head.

Step 3: Tie in poly yarn. Double and tie in the middle. Remember you are doubling so not too thick! Lift and make several turns around the base of yarn. Then make two to three turns in front and back of post.

Step 4: Tie in knotted legs, (equal number on each side). The inner pair should be level with the hook bend and the outer with the hook point. Tie in hackle on far side of post facing backwards, shiny side up.

Step 5: Wind hackle, five to six turns counter clockwise. Make sure each wrap is beneath the preceding one. Position hackle tip between head and hook shank and tie off behind eye. Whip finish head and clip thread.

Step 6: Clip away any hackle facing downward. Put a drop of head cement at base of post and thread wraps. Clip post, about 1/4” long.

Step 7: Go catch some fish!