Bodkin / Patterns

Indicator Spinner

Dry Fly · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Standard dry-fly hook (Tiemco TMC 100), #18-22, #18-22
  • Thread Black (Trico). Match body color for other spinners 70-72 denier / 8-0

Materials

  • Post / indicator Hi-vis poly yarn, fluorescent orange (small clump)
  • Spent wings White poly yarn or Zelon, tied spent (flat out to the sides) (small clump)
  • Tail White or dun Microfibetts, widely split (2-3 per side)
  • Body / abdomen Black tying thread or black Superfine dubbing (slim) (-)
  • Thorax Black Superfine dubbing (tiny pinch)

How to tie it

  1. Start the black thread and tie in a short upright clump of fluorescent orange poly yarn at about the 65-70% point as the visibility post.
  2. Tie in white poly (or Zelon) spent wings across the hook at the same point, splayed flat out to each side (90 degrees) in the classic spinner silhouette.
  3. At the bend, tie in white/dun Microfibett tails split into a wide V, about a shank length long.
  4. Build a slim black abdomen with thread (or a whisper of black dubbing) from the tail to the wings.
  5. Dub a tiny black thorax over the wing/post base to lock everything, forming the crossed 'spent' wing.
  6. Whip finish behind the eye and keep the head tiny.

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