Salmon/Steelhead · Salmon · Steelhead · Intermediate · 1 version
Classic Recipe
Hook Salmon single/double, 4-12
Thread Red 8/0
Materials
Feelers Boar bristles (3-4)
Body Red dubbing, carrot shape (tapered)
Rib Gold oval (spiral)
Hackle Red, rear half (sparse)
How to tie it
Mount a salmon single or double hook and start red thread at the eye; run a thread base back to a point above the barb.
Tie in three or four boar bristles (or stiff nylon substitute) at the front so they project forward over the eye as feelers, splayed slightly; the feelers should extend about a shank-length past the eye.
Carry the thread to the rear and tie in a length of oval gold tinsel for the rib at the tail point.
Tie in red dubbing (or SLF/seal sub) and build a body that tapers from slim at the rear to fat at the front, forming the distinctive carrot shape; stop short of the eye.
Rib the body with the oval gold in four or five evenly spaced open turns over the rear half to two-thirds; tie off and trim.
At the front of the fat body, tie in a soft red hackle and take a sparse turn or two, sweeping the fibers back over the rear half of the fly; tie off and trim.
Build a neat red head, whip finish, and varnish. The feelers should stand out over the eye like a prawn's antennae.