Sprucefly

August 2008

                               Fly Pattern: Spruce Fly 

                   Tier’s Name: Curt Reid        

                   Date: 08/04/08                  

    Fly Originator and History: The spruce fly originated in the 30's for 
    searun cutthroat but has since been found to be good for steelhead. This 
    fly was first known as the "Godfrey Special". 

                       How the Fly is Fished

    Suggested line and leader: Tapered leader.
    Depth: Surface to intermediate.
    Suggested retrieve: Strip fast
    
                       Fly Material
					   
    Hook: make /size / length: Dia. 710 or equivalent ,size 6, 3 x long.
    Thread: size / color /type: 6.0, black.
    Weighted? y/n / size / # of wraps: no.
    Tail material / size / color: 5 or 6 peacock swords.
    Body material /size /color: Red floss, 4-strand (Optional: Narrow 
      silver mylar undercoating").
    Ribbing size / color: Gold tinsel, small oval.
    Thorax size / color: Peacock herl.
    Wing size / color: Badger streamer hackle.
    Hackle size / color: Badger streamer hackle.
    Head size / color: Small thread head .
    Other: …		   
					   

                       Tying Steps

    1. Thread: Tie on the thread and form a thread foundation on the shank and glue.

    2. Tail: Tie in peacock swords at about 1/2 way back from the bend. The tail 
       should be about a gap's length.

    3. Optional: Wrap a layer of narrow mylar as an underbody - this will 
       enhance the color of the floss when it gets wet.
    
    4. Body: Tie on the 4 strands of floss, and the gold tinsel at the bend. 
       Wrap the floss forward to the 1/2 point. 

    5. Thorax: Tie in 6 strands of peacock herl at the 1/2 point, wrapping 
       forward, to about 1/8" behind the eye.
    
    6. Ribbing: Counter-wrap the ribbing over the floss and herl.  

    7. Wings: Select 2 matching streamer feathers. When tied-in, the concave 
       (or dull) sides should be facing each other, and the feathers should extend 
       to the end of the tail. Mount the wings in front of the thorax.
    
    8. Hackle: Prepare a streamer feather and mount it in front of the wings. 
       Wrap the hackle forward 4 or 5 times, forming a dense collar.
	  
    9. Head: Tie on a small thread head, whip finish, cut thread and glue.