Bodkin / Patterns

Mrs Simpson

Streamer · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook 2X-4X long streamer, 4-8
  • Thread black 6/0

Materials

  • Tail Black squirrel tail hair (1 clump)
  • Body Red or yellow chenille (or floss/wool) (1)
  • Sides Cock pheasant rump feathers, layered (4-6 per side)

How to tie it

  1. Lay a thread base and tie in a clump of black squirrel tail at the bend, about one shank length long.
  2. Tie in red or yellow chenille and wrap the rear third of the shank; alternatively use floss or fine wool, which won't push the flank feathers out of line the way fat chenille can.
  3. Tie in the first pair of cock pheasant rump feathers, one flat along each side, curving in so they cup the body.
  4. Wrap chenille over the middle third, then tie in a second, slightly longer pair of rump feathers on the sides.
  5. Wrap the final third, add the last pair of rump feathers just behind the eye. Three overlapping tiers give the fly its dense, shrimpy 'style' silhouette that mimics a cockabully (native NZ sculpin).
  6. Build a neat black head, whip finish and varnish.

Tying videos

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