The Middle River Group, LLC

fly fishing, conservation and politics.

shop vac

Fly tying prompt

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The Outdoor Bloggers Network ran a contest last week with folks from Montana Fly Company for a shot at some very cool fly tying tools. I needed a push to do some fly tying so with OBN’s encouragement I tossed a couple a comments in to the mix.

Drum roll

Yup, the ole random number generator did me a solid and it was winner winner chicken dinner!

So when I get the goods I will post some pix, tie up a few shop-vacs sadler style and give a review of the tools. Might even try my hand at some tenkara flies. Can you say sakasa kebari?

stay tuned…

Tying the Shop Vac

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My friends at Blue Ribbon Flies turned me on to this terrific general purpose nymph. I have used it in the mountain streams here in the east and the big rivers in the west. It is one of my favorite “go to” patterns.

Tying the Shop Vac.
Hook: Nymph (sizes 20-12)
Bead: Gold
Body: Zelon Pheasant Tail Dubbing
Rib: Copper wire (thin)
Wing: White Zelon

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Step 1: Place a gold bead on the hook
Step 2: Attach thread and tie in gold wire behind bead.
Step 3: Wrap thread over wire to half way down the hook bend.
Step 4: Dub the body forward to just behind the bead.
Step 5: Reverse wrap wire forward to just behind the bead.
Step 6: Attach wing, by folding zelon over the thread and sliding it up behind the bead.
Step 7: Whip finish and trim the wings back to approximately the width of the hook gap.

Change bead color and wire color for variety.
Classic pattern uses real pheasant tail (4-6 fibers). Zelon dubbing is more durable.