Bodkin / Patterns

Herring Fly

Baitfish · Striped Bass · Bluefish · Tuna · False Albacore · Cobia · Intermediate · 2 versions

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Gamakatsu SL12S or Owner Aki, 2/0-4/0
  • Thread White GSP 100-200

Materials

  • Tail Long white saddle hackles (4-6 feathers)
  • Belly White bucktail, high-tied (2-3 clumps)
  • Back Blue over green bucktail or Super Hair (2 clumps)
  • Flash Pearl and silver Flashabou (10-12 strands)
  • Topping Peacock herl (6-8 strands)
  • Eyes Large stick-on 3D eyes (1 pair)

How to tie it

  1. Tie in 4-6 long white saddles at the bend, 3-4 shank lengths long, curving outward Deceiver-style.
  2. High-tie clumps of white bucktail at a 45-degree angle below and beside the shank in 2-3 stations moving forward. High-tying flares the hair to build the deep, flat-sided belly of a herring without bulk.
  3. Layer the back at the head: green bucktail, then blue over it, with silver and pearl flash between layers.
  4. Top with peacock herl slightly longer than the blue.
  5. Build a broad thread head, whip finish, cement, and add large 3D eyes. Herring have big eyes and predators key on them.
  6. Overall length 5-8 inches; keep the bottom edge pale and the profile deep.

Other versions

1 more in the app: Joe Penich.

Tying videos

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