Terrestrial · Trout · Panfish · Intermediate · 1 version
Classic Recipe
Hook Standard dry fly, 12-18
Thread Black 8/0
Materials
Body Black closed-cell foam (strip)
Legs Round rubber legs (3 pairs)
Indicator Orange foam (small dot)
How to tie it
Mount hook, lay a thread base to the bend.
Tie in a black foam strip at the bend, tag end back.
Dub a thin body or wrap thread forward to the 70% mark.
Pull the foam forward over the top and tie it down at the 70% mark. It should round over the body like a beetle's shell. Firm wraps that compress but don't cut.
Tie in three rubber legs on each side at the tie-down point, sweep two pairs back, one forward.
Add a small orange foam dot on top. A black beetle in the film is invisible without it.
Tie off behind the foam head, whip finish.
Substitutions
Body instead of Black closed-cell foam: Black 2mm craft foam — Same thing, different brand; Black Razor Foam — Thinner, easier to fold; Peacock herl under foam — Adds flash underneath
Legs instead of Round rubber legs: Barred Sili Legs — More realistic; Fine black rubber legs — More delicate for small beetles
Indicator instead of Orange foam: Pink foam — Easier to see in shade; Hi-vis chartreuse foam — Best visibility in bright sun