Bodkin / Patterns

CJ Controller

Nymph · Wet Fly · Trout · Beginner · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook wet-fly/spider hook (e.g. TMC 3769 or standard wet), 12-16
  • Thread Olive, black, or to match body 8/0 (70 denier)

Materials

  • Body Olive/pheasant-tail or dubbing, slim (as needed)
  • Rib Fine wire (optional) (1 strand)
  • Thorax Peacock herl or dark dubbing (1-2 strands)
  • Soft hackle Partridge or hen, speckled (1 feather)

How to tie it

  1. Start the thread and build a slim, sparse body of dubbing or pheasant-tail fibers from the bend to the 70% mark (rib with fine wire for durability if desired).
  2. Add a couple of turns of peacock herl or dark dubbing for a small thorax.
  3. Tie in a soft partridge or hen hackle by the tip and take one or two turns as a sparse, mobile collar. Why: as a spider/soft-hackle, sparse hackle is essential so the fibers pulse and sweep back on the swing.
  4. Stroke the fibers back, build a small head, and whip finish.

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