Bodkin / Patterns

Gibson's Dragon Fly

Dry Fly · Terrestrial · Largemouth Bass · Smallmouth Bass · Panfish · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook 3X-long dry fly / hopper hook, #6-10
  • Thread olive, tan, or black 6/0 (140 denier)

Materials

  • Extended body Foam (segmented) or foam over shank (long, slim abdomen)
  • Wings Synthetic wing material / clear film (2, splayed flat)
  • Thorax/head Foam + dubbing (chunky)
  • Legs Round rubber legs (2-3 per side)
  • Eyes Mono/bead eyes (1 pair (optional))
  • Indicator Bright foam post (1 (optional))

How to tie it

  1. Form a long, slim extended abdomen of foam (segmented with thread wraps) to mimic a dragonfly's long body.
  2. Tie in two flat, out-swept wings of synthetic film so they lie over the body like an adult dragonfly at rest.
  3. Build a chunky foam-and-dubbing thorax/head so the fly floats high and lands with a splat.
  4. Splay two to three rubber legs per side for lifelike kicking on the surface.
  5. Add mono or bead eyes and a bright foam sighter on top if desired.
  6. Whip finish; the foam construction keeps it high-floating and nearly indestructible.
  7. Keep the wings flat and the body long, the big dragonfly silhouette is what draws bass.

Tying videos

← All fly patterns