Bodkin / Patterns

Balanced Shammy

Egg · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Jig/90-degree hook (Umpqua XT500 or similar), 8-12
  • Thread Tan, olive or brown 6/0

Materials

  • Bead Tungsten bead sized to hook (1)
  • Pin/extension Dressmaker's/sequin pin half (1)
  • Tail Chamois (shammy) leather strip, tapered when wet (1 strip)
  • Body Arizona Simi Seal or leech dubbing in a loop (1 loop)
  • Flash Pearl Flashabou, optional (1-2 strands)

How to tie it

  1. Slide a tungsten bead onto a half pin and lash it along the shank with the bead extending past the eye; build a thread dam behind the bead so it balances horizontally.
  2. Cut a strip of chamois (shammy) leather into a slim taper and tie it in at the bend as the tail; wet chamois wiggles and tapers naturally, imitating a leech or worm.
  3. Add a strand or two of pearl Flashabou along the tail if desired.
  4. Spin a dubbing loop of Simi Seal and palmer it forward to the bead, sweeping fibers back.
  5. Tie off, build a smooth head, whip finish and cement, then trim to a slim profile.

Tying videos

← All fly patterns