Fly Tying
- Outstanding Fly Fishing and Backpacking Gifts
Top 25 Gifts for Black Friday and the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us! As I write this, Black Friday is only two weeks a way, and Christmas is only 40 days away. What follows is a list of my favorite backpacking and fly fishing gear that I highly recommend. Each of these would make wonderful gifts for your friends or family members that actively enjoy the outdoors. I’ve included the list price of each item, as well as a link to where they can be purchased. Make sure to read all the way to the end where you’ll find a bonus gift idea, a once-in-a-lifetime type of a gift.. Shopping this year doesn’t get any easier than this!
#1 – Best Value
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter (1.0 L, 2.3 oz)
List Price: $47.95, but often sold at a discounted price
I never go fishing without my Katadyn water filter/bottle. In the past, I used to always carry a heavy bottle of water with me while out on the water. Now, I instead carry my lightweight Katadyn in a little pouch on my Fishpond hip pack. It’s collapsible, so it can be rolled-up and stored in a very small space. When I’m thirsty I simply take it out, scoop-up water from the river or lake I’m fishing in, and drink-up as much water as I’d like. When I’m done I dump the remaining water and return the bottle to its pouch. In case you’re interested, I bought a Gossamer Gear Hipbelt Pocket and attached it to my Fishpond hip pack. The Katadyn water bottle fits perfectly in it when rolled-up.
#2 – Essential Apparel
Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie
List Price: $189, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale
Not only do I always take this on my backpacking and fishing trips, but I find myself constantly wearing it during my everyday life. It only weighs 7oz and yet it is very warm. That’s what makes it unique, it’s weight to warmth ratio. It’s also what makes it a perfect item for backpacking where every ounce matters. The Ventus Active Hoodie is often all I need to stay warm and I usually wear it as an outer layer. When temperatures drop significantly it is a very effective mid-layer, with either a rain jacket or an even warmer jacket on top. It’s water and wind resistant, but it’s NOT completely waterproof. The Ventus Active Hoodie is incredibly comfortable because it is so light. I’ve bought 2 of them. If you’d like the same jacket, but with hand pockets and a full-length zipper, try the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket. I have one of those jackets as well!
#3 – More Essential Apparel
Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket
List Price: $219, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale
I’ve owned a lot of rain jackets through the years. Most of them begin failing after only a year or two. I’ve had my Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket for three years now and it still keeps me perfectly dry. As a fisherman, one thing I appreciate about the jacket is that it doesn’t restrict my movements. I can cast a rod all day and it doesn’t bind. It also serves as my rain jacket when I go golfing. I’m able to take full golf swings without a problem. I often wear this as a shell over my Ventus Active Hoodie, a wonderful combination to stay warm and dry when the weather turns bad.
#4 – Useful Backpacking Accessory
Flextail Tiny Pump X (1.7 oz) – Rechargeable Air Pump
List Price: $22
The Tiny Pump X is a great backpacking gadget. It weighs very little, but it sure comes in handy on backpacking trips. After a long and tiring hike, it’s nice to have a pump to inflate my air mattress instead of having to blow it up on my own. The Tiny Pump also has a built in light that shines out of the bottom. I hang mine from a loop on the inside/top of my tent at night, allowing me to play cards or read before going to sleep. A fun, inexpensive, little gadget that makes for a perfect stocking-stuffer.
#5 – Moderately Priced Fly Rod
Fenwick Aetos – 9ft 5wt fly rod (Old Model)
Fenwick Aetos – 9ft 5wt fly rod (New Model)
List Price: $269
There have been two fly rods brands that I’ve used consistently for many years now. I have several Hardy rods that Hardy doesn’t make anymore. I’d recommend them, but as I said, they’re no longer available. The other rod I own, and use frequently, is my Fenwick Aetos. It is a wonderful rod for the price, and a rod I’m very comfortable recommending. The first link above is to their “old model”, which is what I own, and is difficult to find. The second link is for their new model. I always recommend going into a shop to actually cast fly rods before buying them. After all, there are so many choices. However, if you’d like to give a rod as a gift without casting it first, you can be comfortable knowing this is an excellent rod, especially for the price.
#6 – To Help Keep You Warm
Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor sleeping bag liner – (9.2 oz)
List Price: $74
For many years I didn’t know these even existed. When I first became aware of them I thought the concept of a sleeping bag liner made so much sense! They add extra warmth to a sleeping bag or quilt, which I appreciate because I’m a cold sleeper. They also can be washed, something that can keep your sleeping bag or quilt from smelling bad after a few multi-day backcountry trips. These Sea to Summit sleeping bag liners are not restrictive, they stretch very well when moving inside of them. That makes them perfect to pair with a quilt, which a lot of backpackers have turned to because they don’t want their movement restricted at night. I have found the combination of a sleeping bag liner and a backpack quilt to be far more comfortable than the old mummy bags I grew-up sleeping in.
#7 – My All-Time Favorite Reel
Hardy Narrow Spool Perfect fly reel
List Price: $895
I’ve had my Hardy Narrow Spool Perfect reel for 6 or 7 years now, and I still feel a thrill every time I put it on my rod to begin a day of fly fishing. It’s a work of art, but highly functional as well. This reel is so smooth when the line is reeled-in. “Smooth like butter”, as a friend of mine likes to say. The Narrow Spool Perfect is an expensive reel, probably not for a beginner. Also, it’s a click & pawl reel. I prefer them when fishing for trout, but they are a little different than most fly reels. Click & Pawl essentially means there is no drag. I wrote a complete detailed review of this reel last year – to read more click here. This is a great gift idea for someone who has been fly fishing a long time and who appreciates the nostalgic, artistic, aspects of fly fishing. Of course, it has to fit your budget too. It’s more of a special, once-in-a-lifetime type gift. Like I said though, my all-time favorite reel. It’s not even close.
#8 – Chair for Comfort
Big Agnes Mica Basin backpacking chair (2.6 lbs)
List Price: $147
One of the reasons I’ve tried to take advantage of the ultralight trend in backpacking is so that I can pack in a few “extras” and still meet my pack-weight goals. My pack will never be as light as a lot of the through-hikers who go 20+ miles per day, especially with all the fishing gear I pack in. I choose to save weight in other areas so that I can bring this chair in with me. It’s certainly not heavy, but there are chairs that weigh half as much. The difference is, I don’t think they’re nearly as comfortable as the Mica Basin. Part of the problem is that I’m over 6’2″, and the really light camp chairs don’t fit me quite right. The posts on the side dig into my sides a little bit. Not so with the Mica Basin. It’s a big enough backpack chair to fit someone my size comfortably, yet still not weighing too much to pack-in. I’m a big fan of this chair. At the end of a 10-mile hike into an alpine lake, and after setting-up my tent, it’s wonderful to be able to relax in such a comfortable chair.
#9 – Inexpensive Gift Idea
List Price: $2-$4 per fly, or $17 for a variety box, $17 for a leader 3-pack
I love flies. When my kids were growing-up and they asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told them they didn’t need to spend a lot. Pick out a few flies, and that would be as good a gift as anything. Sure enough, with all kinds of gifts at my feet, it was the flies that I would sit and look at through the afternoon, appreciating that each one was tied by hand. If you have a fly angler that you’re looking to give a gift to, consider a box of flies and/or a few leader packs. The link above is to Discount Flies. I have no affiliation with them, but it’s who I buy my flies from when I don’t have enough time to tie my own. For a discount fly company, I have found that they sell quality flies. Visiting a local fly shop is also a good idea. They’d be happy to fill a box up with flies for you!
#10 – The Top of My Wish List
Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece
List Price: $140, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale
This is the one of only two items on this list that I don’t actually have myself (the fly tying kit is the other). So to be clear, I’ve never worn this fleece jacket. The reason I list it here is because it’s at the very top of my wish list for the holidays. This is a new item being offered by Outdoor Vitals and I can tell they put a lot of thought into its design. I’ve bought so much clothing from Outdoor Vitals over the past few years. I’m confident this will be another great product. All their apparel is lightweight, comfortable, and functions as designed.
#11 – One of My Favorites!
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties
List Price: $56
I can’t even put into words how good it feels to slip my feet into these at night in my tent on our backpacking trips. Certainly not a necessity….these can’t be worn outside the tent unless you wear something to protect the bottom of them. They don’t weigh a lot though, only 1.7 oz., so they’re easy to bring along. They will keep your feet warm at night without them overheating. Truly one of my favorite items I take backpacking!
#12 – Solid, Comfortable, Wading Boots
Skwala Carbon Wading Boots
List Price: $289
While we’re on the subject of boots….This summer I was looking for a quality pair of wading boots for my trip to Iceland. Iceland is primarily a walk and wade fishery, and I needed boots with soles like hiking boots that would protect my feet over many miles of hiking along its rivers. These boots were incredible. They functioned much better than any I’ve ever owned in the past. They are solid, comfortable, and protect my feet. They aren’t cheap, but they will last a long time. I definitely recommend them. These are the first wading boots I’ve had without felt soles. I haven’t had any issues slipping while wading yet, but its something I’m going to be careful of in the future.
#13 – Great Backpacking Food
Peak Refuel Outdoor Meal Box
List Price: $99
Peak Refuel is my favorite brand of backpacking food, but there are many choices. Backpacking food can be an expensive, which makes this a perfect gift for you to give to a friend or family member who likes to go backpacking. Give them one meal, or several, whatever fits your budget. The link above is for a box with 14 total servings, including Chicken Alfredo – my favorite. Backpack meals can be purchased at any outdoor store and are usually offered in single units. Giving even just one or two will make a great gift!
#14 – Remote Wilderness Fly Fishing Book
Spot Pack Fly Fishing by PJ Emerson
List Price: $23
Spot Pack Fly Fishing is a 4-part book discussing how to access outstanding fly fishing destinations deep in the backcountry on horseback. It’s about the adventure of riding horses, basic strategies on catching fish in the backcountry, the necessary backpacking equipment to bring along, and a timeline of preparation for the trip. Spot Pack Fly Fishing is a wonderful gift idea for any family member or friend that loves fly fishing and backcountry adventures. It is packed full of beautiful photography that is sure to generate excitement for their next fishing adventure.
#15 – Quality Waders, Reasonable Price
Briver Max Comfort Waders
List Price: $159
You don’t have to spend $500-$800 for a quality, reliable, pair of waders. I’ve worn these waders this past summer and was very happy with them. They are comfortable, durable, and keep me dry. That’s what matters to me. I wore them while crashing through beaver ponds in the Colorado high country, crossing the highlands in Iceland in search of large browns, and float-tubing on lakes while trolling for trout. Briver waders are a great value for those who want quality waders without having to spend too much. I wrote a complete review of the Briver Max Comfort Waders, which can be found by clicking here.
#16 – High Quality Hip/Waist Pack
Fishpond Switchback 2.0
List Price: $119
I used to always wear a vest while fly fishing. It was loaded with fly boxes and other items that would give me a sore back by the end of the day. I started looking for a pack system instead, but never could find one I liked. They were either on my chest, or my front hip, and were always getting in the way. Then I discovered the Fishpond’s Switchback 2.0. The pack slides back and forth on a track system. When I need something, it’s right there on my front hip. After I’m done with it, I push it out of the way behind me. The net holder works great too. I still use a vest when I’m on trips where I need to carry a jacket, lunch, and other gear. For simple day trips – you just can’t beat the Switchback system. They also offer a “Pro System” that holds more, but I prefer the smaller version. After all, the reason I’m wearing it is to be more light and nimble, and not feel like I’m hauling too much around. Also pictured, is my Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie….I told you I wear it all the time!
#17 – Long & Wide Sleeping Pad
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated 25 x 78 (25 oz, 4.8 R Value)
List Price: $179
Big Agnes is one of my favorite manufacturers of backpacking equipment. I have found that you can count on the quality of their products. The Rapide SL pad is a high quality, comfortable, quilted, insulated pad that is perfect for backpacking. Some pads may weigh slightly less, or cost less, but I don’t believe in compromising a good night’s sleep just to save a few dollars. Good rest is important in the backcountry. For that reason, I’ve also made the choice to use long and wide sleeping pads. I’m 6’3″, so I need a pad that I’m not falling off of at night. The Rapide SL is my favorite pad that I’ve ever owned. I did have a leak once, near the valve, and Big Agnes replace the pad with a brand new one. You can count on excellent customer service from them.
#18 – An Ultralight Tent Made for Stargazing
Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker hybrid double wall tent (28 oz, 103” long interior)
List Price: $285, but periodically will go on sale
The Skyscape Trekker is a one-person ultralight trekking pole tent that is perfect for tall individuals. A lot of ultralight trekking pole tents are single walled, so condensation can be a problem. That’s not the case with the Skyscape because it’s double-walled. The sides of the Skyscape Trekker can be rolled-back providing a full view of the night sky. If you like looking at stars at night, this is a wonderful tent. I wrote a complete review of the Skyscape Trekker, which can be found by clicking here.
#19 – Stability While Hiking
Leki ultralight soft antishock (9.1 oz)
List Price: $103
I can’t imagine going backpacking without my trekking poles. First of all, my tents are trekking pole tents, so I need them for that purpose alone. More than that, they provide stability while hiking with a heavy pack on. At least once a trip I’ll step on the edge of a rock and feel my ankle beginning to turn. My trekking poles save the day because they stabilize me in those situations and keep me spraining my ankle. They also take a lot of the load off my knees, especially with the added weigh of a pack. Trekking poles are a great gift idea for a family member or friend that enjoys backpacking but doesn’t own a pair yet.
#20 – Create Your Own Flies
Orvis Premium Fly Tying Kit or Kingfisher Fly Tying Kit
List Price: $200 (Orvis) or $99 (Kingfisher)
There is great satisfaction in catching a fish that you have personally tied. If you have a friend or family member that also enjoys crafts, consider giving them a fly tying kit this holiday season. It takes practice to begin making quality flies, but it is a lot of fun. The Orvis link above includes materials as well as the vice and tools. The Kingfisher is just the vice and tools, so the fly tying materials are not included. I have not used either of these kits – the one I have my parents bought me when I was about 10 years old. I recommend stopping by your local fly shop or sporting goods store to ask more about this. Many fly shops offer fly tying classes that would be very helpful in getting started. They can also give advice regarding what kit and what materials to buy.
#21 – For Cold-Weather Backpacking
CamelBak Crux Insulated Tube
List Price: $16
While compiling this list I asked my son, who is also an outdoorsman, if he had any gift idea suggestions. He recommended an insulated water bladder tube. The water in a water bladder stays unfrozen while winter hiking because it’s in the hiker’s pack and is close to the hiker’s body. However, the water in the bladder tube outside the pack will often freeze, clogging the tube so that water can’t pass through it. This insulated tube will keep the water in the tube from freezing. A simple, inexpensive gift idea!
#22 – Effortless Water Filter System
Katadyn BeFree Gravity Water Filter (6.0 L, 8.9 oz)
List Price: $115
The number #1 item on this list was a Katadyn water filter bottle to carry while fishing. This water filtration system is for camp. For those of you who are older, you’ll remember the days of having to walk down to the water source and use a pump-water filter system. Pumping water through a filter was a lot of work. It was slow, and not particularly a lot of fun after a long day hiking. The Katadyn system is much easier. Backpackers simply walk to the water source, scoop water into the bag, then take it back to camp and hang it from a tree limb. Gravity does the rest. As the water passes from the bag to the tube, it goes through a filter that removes 99.9% of the bad things that can contaminate water.
#23 – A VERY Bright light
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp (2.8 oz)
List Price: $54
When I look for headlamps, I look for ones with a high number of lumens of brightness. That’s because if I’m going to wear a headlamp I want it to be really bright, not dim. This Black Diamond headlamp had 400 lumens. It’s bright. I’ve used this now for about 4 years and have been very satisfied with it. Headlamps are great because they leave the user’s hands free for whatever may be necessary. A nice, moderately priced, gift.
#24 – One Stop-Shop Fly Fishing Equipment
Redington Rod and Reel Combo Kit
List Price: $269
This is a great gift for a friend or family member that wants to learn how to fly fish but doesn’t have any of the equipment. It includes a rod, reel, and fly line – the essential components necessary to get started fly fishing. I don’t have a Redington fly rod, but my son does, and it’s his favorite. There are other very trustworthy brands that also offer rod/reel/line combo kits such as TFO, Orvis, Cortland, and Echo. Some are more expensive than others, which is based on the quality of the rod and reel that are included. Check-in with your local fly shop or sporting goods store to ask for advice if you’re not sure which combo kit to purchase. Redington is quality brand you can trust.
#25 – Camp Meals in a Flash!
Jetboil Flash 1.0 Liter fast boil stove
List Price: $145, but more typically sold for around $110
I’ve been using my Jetboil for almost 20 years. They boil water in minutes, perfect for quickly preparing dehydrated meals, oatmeal, or soup. It has a convenient self-ignite button which makes starting the Jetboil easy. There are stoves available that weigh less, but it is difficult to beat the convenience of a Jetboil. I use mine every time I go backpacking.
BONUS GIFT IDEA – Trip of a Lifetime!
List Price: Varies depending on if fully guided or a spot pack trip. My book Spot Pack Fly Fishing goes into great detail how to price-out such a trip.
This is a very big gift, but also a very creative one to give to a family member who loves the backcountry and who loves to fish. It’s not an every-year type of a gift, rather it’s a special one that they’ll always remember. My buddies and I have hired many different outfitters through the years, and Diamond 4 is my favorite. Diamond 4 is a family business who has been guiding in the Wind River Range for many years now. They know exactly what they’re doing, and they are absolutely wonderful people. They offer all kinds of trips, including spot pack trips a and fully guided trips. I highly recommend them! They offer cabins to stay in the night before heading into the backcountry, and will even provide a nice hot breakfast the morning you leave. The region they take trips into has spectacular scenery and incredible fishing. They are the best!
*** This post does contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission if you purchase a product using those links. This in no way affects my opinion of those products and services. There are also products listed here for which I won’t make any commission. These gift ideas are products I use and recommend, regardless of whether I receive a commission or not.
- Holly Hopper
My Go-To Hopper Pattern!
I have always enjoyed the craftmanship that goes into each and every fly pattern. Even as a little kid I was captivated by them and was amazed that each one was tied by hand. My parents bought me a fly tying kit when I was ten or eleven years old. My Dad didn’t tie flies, so he bought me a fly tying book written by fly fishing legend Jack Dennis to teach me how to tie. The book he bought me was called Jack Dennis’ Western Trout Fly Tying Manual. I read it cover to cover, including all the stories surrounding each fly pattern in the book. As a result of the book, and all his stories, Jack Dennis is someone who I’ve always looked up to in the fly fishing community.
One of Jack Dennis’ patterns I’ve had a lot of success with over the years is his Amy’s Ant pattern. About ten years ago I learned that the fly was named after his daughter. As someone I look up to, I thought if he named a fly after his daughter it would be fun if I did as well! My daughter’s name is Holly. I thought to myself, what type of fly begins with the letter “H” so that I could design a Holly H_ _ _ _ _ , just like Jack Dennis did his Amy’s Ant? Well, the first type of fly that that came to mind was, of course, a hopper pattern.
This beautiful rainbow fell for a Holly Hopper, deep in the Yellowstone backcountry Now that the Holly Hopper name was decided, I just needed to design the fly. I looked at a lot of grasshopper images online. A few things stood out to me. First, every grasshopper I saw had a big head and huge eyes. A lot of grasshopper fly patterns don’t have this so I decided that was a must for the Holly Hopper. Second, the body of a grasshopper isn’t soft and matte in appearance, it’s more of a hard surface – a shell almost. In light of that I decided not to use dubbing as the main body materiel, but something with a harder surface, with some shine, and that is segmented. The last design feature I considered critical were the legs. The key for me with any grasshopper pattern is that the legs come out at a 45 degree angle from the body. Not tucked up close against it. I wanted to use pheasant tail feathers for the legs because they’re a little more “traditional”. Also, I prefer to have at least a few natural materials in all my flies as opposed to completely relying on synthetics. I initially tied the Holly Hopper with pearl Flashabou as the underwing. It works well. I’ve also begun to tie it with golden pheasant as an underwing because some of the grasshoppers I see flying around have an underwing that’s colorful. The idea of using golden pheasant tippets for this came from a Kelly Galloup video I watched. The extra color has proven to be a good attractor.
In terms of color, I initially made the Holly Hopper in both olive and gold. The olive ones looked great, but they didn’t catch many fish. I don’t know if it was because the color isn’t a common one on the western rivers where I fished them, or if it had something to do with the fly itself. I’ve since stopped tying them. The gold Holly Hopper has fished amazingly well right from the beginning! As a result, I always keep a dozen of them in my fly box and it’s the first hopper pattern I always tie on. It has caught many, many fish from Colorado to Wyoming, and even up into Canada. I am confident in this fly on any river in the west, from mid to late summer, especially in meadow stretches.
My favorite memory while fishing this fly was several years ago when I was fishing the 2nd meadow of Slough Creek with a buddy. He was on one side of the river and I was on the other, as we walked up a section together. The bottom of the river was pretty non-descript, but there was one subsurface clump of rock and vegetation out in front of me. I threw the Holly Hopper out in front of it. As it drifted over it, I saw a cutthroat come out from under the rock and slowly rise out of the depths. As it came to the surface it’s gaping mouth opened and it engulfed the fly. I resisted the temptation to set the hook too early, as often happens on such slow, deliberate, takes. The cutt closed its mouth and as it turned I set the hook. The whole thing felt like it was happing in slow motion. A few minutes later, after taking the Holly Hopper out of the corner of its mouth, I netted the 18″ cutthroat and released it. The friend, the location, and even the fly, became another wonderful fly fishing memory of mine.
The Holly Hopper does have one drawback at times. It doesn’t float as well as a foam hopper does. As a result, I do not always use it when I’m employing a hopper/dropper technique. I opt for one of Charlie Craven’s foam “Charlie Boy Hopper” patterns when I’m going to attach a dropper. It floats like a cork and can still fish well even with a dropper attached to it. I also still really like the basic parachute hopper patterns that have been around forever. So in my box, I always carry all three patterns: the Holly Hopper (some with a Flashabou underwing and some with a golden pheasant underwing), Charlie Craven’s Charlie Boy Hopper, and a few parachutes.
Give the Holly Hopper a try – I think you’ll like it.
Hook: Dai Riki #710 or Tiemco 5263, size 10 or 12 – 3X Long
Thread: Yellow 3/0 waxed
Tail: Tan Razor Foam
Body: Lt. Golden Stone Standard Tubing wrapped over Lt. Yellow Ice Dub
Legs: Pheasant tail feathers
Thorax: Cream Trout Hunter Dubbing
Underwing: Pearl Flashabou, Pearlescent Krinkle Mirror Flash, or Golden Pheasant Tippets – Small
Wing: Grey short fine deer hair
Hackle: Grizzly
Head: Tan Razor Foam wrapped over Black Micro Fine Dubbing
Holly Hopper Tying Instructions
Step 1: Attach a thin strip of the razor foam to the underside of the hook, right behind the hook eye. Make a large black eye made out of the black superfine dubbing. Using a needle, the tip of a bodkin, or the sharp end of your whip finisher, poke a very small hole in the foam at the point it will meet the hook eye. Wrap the foam around the dubbing and the front of the hook, letting the hook eye emerge through the hole created. Tie down behind the eye. I’ve never had the foam tear where the hook eye goes through while fishing, but a dab of cement on the foam may give you a little more confidence. Finally wrap the thread back towards the bend and cut the foam to form the tail. I often put a small ball of cream dubbing underneath the tail to make it prop-up and stay parallel to the hook shank/body.
Step 2: First tie in the Light Golden Stone tubing. Then wrap the Light Yellow Ice Dub onto the thread. Dub the body of the fly, making sure to leave room for the legs and thorax of the fly. Next wrap the tubing forward, making sure not to have any spaces between each wrap. Also make sure to create a slight taper.
Step 3: Tie in the pheasant tail legs. You can purchase these premade, but I don’t think they look as nice as ones I make myself. They are easy to make, but are best done in advance. Buy a pheasant tail feather and a knot tying tool. You can crank out 50 legs in no time once you get in a rythem. When tying in the legs, make sure they go out at a 45 degree angle from the body, the lower half of the legs pointing straight down. Next tie in the underwing. Pictured below is a Krinkle Mirror Flash underwing and a golden pheasant underwing. As mentioned previously, I also often tie this fly with a pearl Flashabou underwing.
Step 4: Tie a minimal amount of the cream dubbing around the legs to help hold them in place. Next, tie in the deer hair wing. I prefer to have the wing lay flat, as opposed to having it spray-out out like often seen with caddis flies. It’s hard to accomplish this because when the thread is tightened the deer hair will want to spray-out. I tie a few loose wraps as I move towards the tip end of the deer hair to keep the wing flatter. Tie in a grizzly hackle feather. Then, after adding one more thin layer of cream dubbing to give the hackle a good base to secure to, wrap the hackle forward. Try to keep the thorax in good proportion to the rest of the fly. There’s a lot going on in this section, and it can easily build-up and become too thick. Try to use thin layers of dubbing and not many wraps of thread. Whip finish when complete. Lastly, I’ll often trim the hackle on the underneath side of the fly. This helps the fly to land on it’s belly and float right-side-up.
