Floss (body) Claret floss (1 strand from a 4-strand floss)
Saddle hackle fibers (throat) Black saddle hackle (1 small bunch)
Mallard flank (wing) Gray mallard flank (1 slip)
How to tie it
Mount a size 8 traditional wet fly hook and lay a smooth black thread base. Work neatly. This is a floss body and every lump shows. Keep the thread away from the hook point, which will fray it instantly.
Tie in the claret floss and wrap a smooth body back to the bend and forward again in even touching turns, covering any fluff. Stop well short of the eye and tie off, leaving room for the throat, wing and head.
Turn the fly over or work underneath and tie in a small bunch of black saddle hackle fibers as the throat, reaching to about the hook point.
Prepare a slip of gray mallard flank and tie it in as a wing about the length of the hook, low and flat over the body. Trim the butts.
Build a small tapered black head, whip finish, and finish with head cement.