Bodkin / Patterns

Hale Bopp Leech Beadhead- Solitude

Streamer · Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Curved-shank/jig nymph (Daiichi 1260 or TMC 200R), #8-12
  • Thread Black (or to match body) 6/0

Materials

  • Bead Black tungsten bead (1, one size small for the hook)
  • Tail Black ostrich herl (marabou, extra long and thin)
  • Body Black ostrich herl (mohair / African goat yarn)
  • Hot spot Fluorescent red laser wrap (thread band behind bead)

How to tie it

  1. Slide the tungsten bead to the eye and mount the hook; deliberately use a bead one size smaller than usual so the fly glides like a real leech.
  2. Start thread behind the bead and lay a base back to the bend.
  3. Tie in a sparse, extra-long marabou tail about one and a half shank lengths for maximum sinewy motion.
  4. Tie in a length of mohair yarn and wrap it forward in touching turns to just behind the bead, forming a slim body.
  5. Tie off the mohair and build a short band of fluorescent red thread behind the bead as a hot spot.
  6. Whip finish behind the bead and clip.
  7. Aggressively pick out the mohair body with velcro or a dubbing needle until the fly is almost translucent and the fibers wave freely.

Tying videos

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