Bodkin / Patterns

Herring Fly

Baitfish · Striped Bass · Bluefish · Tuna · False Albacore · Cobia · Intermediate · 3 versions

Note: This recipe has not been verified against a documented source, or disagrees with one. Treat the materials and steps as unconfirmed.

Caddis Fly Angling Shop dressing

  • Hook Mustad 3407, 1/0
  • Thread Fine Mono

Materials

  • Tail Medium Mylar Tubing (un-raveled)
  • Belly EP Sparkle Brush - Holo Silver
  • Body Pearl cactus chenille
  • Eyes 15/16” Adhesive Holographic Super Pearl

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

2 more in the app: Classic Recipe, Joe Penich.

Tying videos

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