Bodkin / Patterns

Black Coachman

Wet Fly · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Tyer Recipe

  • Hook 1x-long dry fly, barbless, 12-14
  • Thread Black 70 denier

Materials

  • Pheasant tippets (golden or Lady Amherst) Barred pheasant tippets (8-10 fibers (tail))
  • Duck quill slips Natural duck quill slips (2 (wings))
  • Peacock herl Natural peacock herl (2 strands (body ends))
  • Floss Black floss (single strand (center band))
  • Dry-fly hackle Black hackle (1 feather)

How to tie it

  1. Start the black thread anywhere on the shank; snip 8-10 tippet fibers from the feather at their tips (then pull the feather away) so the barring stays aligned, and tie in a tail a full body-length long at the bend; bury the butts.
  2. Move the thread about a quarter of the way back from the eye and tie in two natural duck quill slips, convex sides together so they flare slightly, tips pointing forward, with a pinch wrap.
  3. Pull the slips upright and support them with wraps behind so they post up (the herl and hackle will finish the job).
  4. Return the thread to the bend and tie in two strands of peacock herl; wrap the rear section of the body. A few turns is enough, and an extra rearward turn will tame a flared tail if needed.
  5. Tie in a single strand of black floss and wrap a band across the middle of the body, leaving room for more herl in front; tie off and trim.
  6. Take a couple more turns of the same herl in front of the band, ending behind the wings; tie off.
  7. Tie in a black dry-fly hackle behind the wings and wind one or two turns behind and four or five in front. A heavily hackled collar is what floats this fly and helps prop the wings.
  8. Tie off the hackle, form a small head with room for the whip finish, whip finish, and tidy any stray fibers.

Tying videos

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