Salmon/Steelhead · Streamer · Salmon · Advanced · 1 version
Tyer Recipe
Hook Saltwater, 3X strong (Gamakatsu SL11-3H), 8
Thread Cornflower blue (any light blue, white or grey; red for the collar) Classic waxed 12/0
Materials
Brass bead Silver bead (One, 1/8")
Crystal Flash Green and blue mixed (About six strands of each for the tail, the same again for the wing)
Flat tinsel Mirage (flat silver also works) (One length for the body)
Iridescent thread (or fine wire) Green and blue iridescent thread (One strand of each for the rib)
Marabou Dark blue marabou (A small pinch for the wing plus a few strands for the collar)
Brushable super glue Clear head cement (A couple of dabs under the body)
How to tie it
Slide the silver bead onto the saltwater hook, mount it, and lay a base layer of cornflower thread along the shank.
Mix about six strands each of green and blue Crystal Flash and tie them in on top at the rear for the tail, adding a couple of turns underneath to prop it up; trim the tail to roughly one shank length.
Tie in one strand each of the green and blue iridescent thread for the rib, then tie in the flat Mirage tinsel, binding all three materials down the shank together.
Bring the thread forward to the bead and add a couple of dabs of brushable super glue to the underbody.
Wind the Mirage tinsel forward in even turns to the bead, tie it off, half hitch, and trim.
Twist the green and blue iridescent threads together so they lie side by side and wind them forward in even ribs over the body, tie off behind the bead and trim.
Even up another bunch of green and blue Crystal Flash and tie it in on top behind the bead as a wing, measured back to about halfway down the tail.
Tie in a sparse pinch of dark blue marabou over the flash as a wing, keep it thin, and trim the butts close.
Spin a few leftover marabou strands onto the thread like dubbing and take a turn or two for a collar, then colour the thread red if you want a red head and whip finish, adding a touch of super glue to the thread.