Collar Natural case (hare guard fur in a dubbing loop)
How to tie it
Start the 50 denier power thread behind the eye and run a smooth base back to the bend. A power thread lets you crush spiky fur down hard later without building bulk under it.
Tie in the Diamond Body Thread at the bend as the rib, then dub a slim tapered body of natural squirrel fur forward to the 65% mark. Squirrel is spikier than rabbit and its loose guard hairs trap air, which is half of why this fly floats with no rooster hackle at all.
Counter-wrap the Diamond Body Thread forward in five or six open turns and tie off. The rib segments the body and, more importantly, pins the squirrel guard hairs so a trout's teeth cannot unravel them.
Tie in natural grey CDC as a tent wing over the body, tips reaching just past the bend. The CDC is the flotation here, so set it on top of the shank rather than letting it roll around the sides.
Spin hare guard fur in a dubbing loop and take two or three turns in front of the wing as a collar, then stroke the fibres back. This spiky collar replaces the traditional hackle and breaks up the outline in fast, broken water.
Whip finish a small head. Fish it dead drift as a dry, or twitch and skate it so it swims like an adult sedge laying eggs.