Bodkin / Patterns

Dirty Bird

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 4 versions

Reference Recipe

• Hook 1XL nymph hook, 12-18
• Thread Rust or tan 70 denier

Materials

• Bead Black bead (Tungsten, sized to hook)
• Tail Wood duck / mallard flank (Short sparse fibers)
• Rib Copper thorax stripe (Fine wire, 4-5 turns)
• Body Hare's ear or rust (Buggy dubbing)
• Legs/Collar Mallard flank (Swept-back flank fibers)

How to tie it

1. Slide the black bead to the eye and start thread behind it.
2. Tie in a short sparse mallard-flank tail, then bind in the copper wire.
3. Dub a buggy hare's-ear body forward, leaving room for the collar. Pick it out for extra life.
4. Counter-wrap the wire rib forward in 4-5 turns and tie off.
5. Tie in mallard flank as a swept-back leg collar surrounding the shank behind the bead.
6. Whip finish behind the bead and cement.

Other versions

3 more in the app: RIO's Morrish, Tungsten, Beadhead.

Tying videos

• Dirty Bird — Sport Fishing on the Fly (YouTube)
• Dirty Bird — Fly Fish Food (YouTube)
• Dirty Bird — Potomac Valley Fly Fishers (YouTube)
• Dirty Bird — Strike-Zone Fly Fishing (YouTube)
• Dirty Bird — Ole Florida Fly Shop (YouTube)

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