Bodkin / Patterns

Burkus Bearback Rider Salmon Fly

Dry Fly · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook 3XL dry/streamer hook (e.g. Fulling Mill 5045 or TMC 5263), 4-6
  • Thread Fluorescent red or orange 6/0 (140 denier)

Materials

  • Body underwrap Fluorescent orange/red thread in bands (as needed)
  • Abdomen Burnt orange or rust Ice Dub (1 pinch)
  • Underwing/indicator Orange poly yarn (1 clump)
  • Overwing 2mm foam strip, orange over tan (1)
  • Legs Kinky bear hair or rubber legs, orange/black (3 pairs)
  • Head Burnt orange Ice Dub (1 pinch)

How to tie it

  1. Lay a fluorescent orange/red thread base along the long shank, leaving banded wraps exposed as the hot-spot segmentation.
  2. Dub a burnt-orange Ice Dub abdomen forward to the 60% mark, spacing wraps so the hot thread shows through.
  3. Tie in an orange poly-yarn indicator/underwing upright at the 65% mark.
  4. Fold a foam overwing strip over the back and tie it in at the 65% mark; leave a forward tab to square into a head. Why: the salmonfly version is oversized and orange to match the big early-summer Pteronarcys hatch.
  5. Splay orange/black bear-hair or rubber legs to the sides fore and aft.
  6. Dub a short burnt-orange head, whip finish, and square the foam head.

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