Salmon/Steelhead · Steelhead · Salmon · Intermediate · 1 version
Classic Recipe
Hook Standard salmon/steelhead iron (e.g. Daiichi 1530), 2-8
Thread Black 6/0
Materials
Eyes Silver bead chain (1 pair)
Tail Black calf tail or bucktail (long clump)
Rib Flat or oval silver tinsel (1)
Body Black chenille (1 strand)
Hackle Fluorescent red/orange saddle (1)
How to tie it
Figure-eight a pair of silver bead-chain eyes to the top of the shank just behind the hook eye.
Tie in a black calf tail or bucktail tail at the bend, a full shank length long.
Tie in the silver rib, then the black chenille, and wrap the chenille forward in touching turns to just behind the bead chain.
Spiral the rib forward in 4-5 evenly spaced turns and tie off.
Wrap 2-3 turns of fluorescent red hackle as a collar behind the eyes, sweeping it back over the body. The hot collar against the black body is the fly's trigger.
Figure-eight through the eyes, form a neat head, whip finish, and cement.