Steelhead

[Bass_Bug]

Have been wanting to tie up an all black Steelhead fly and came up with this.

Hook:Mustad 36890 #1
Thread: 8/0 black
Tag: Black Krystal Flash
Butt: Black Ostrich herl
Body: Black floss
Rib: Black Ultra wire
Thorax: Black Ostrich herl
Wing: Black deer hair
Hackle: Black Brahma hen
Head: Black lacquer



It looked too black so I made a few changes and came up with this.

Hook: Mustad 36890 #1
Thread: 8/0 black
Tag: Silver flat tinsel
Butt: Died peacock herl
Body: Black stretch nylon
Rib: Silver round tinsel (small)
Thorax: Died peacock herl
Wing: Black deer hair
Hackle: Black Brahma hen
Head: Black lacquer

[luckie88]

Mr. Bug, a few that would sound like fun to tie in black instead of purple would be the "Street Walker" or the "Joe Gert" those work pretty well on the Deschutes over here during the early Summer runs.
-Jake

[Lake Erie High Ball]

I like those Bass

I would like to see them in purple for when the river is on the rise or leveled after a rain and still looks like chocolate milk.

Purple is a very hot fly for low light conditions after a good rain or melt off.

[kelkay]

Great looking flies Bass Bug!! I would like to see a black and purple, or black and blue version too. I like the dark colors, they really pay off at certain times... your flies are well tied, and I love the designs!

[Bass_Bug]

The died peacock herl is actually labeled as 'purple'. It's very dark, but does have some nice color when turned in the light.

I'll see how much purple material I have and try another. With or with out tinsel (silver or gold)?

[kelkay]

If you use tinsel, I would choose gold. I usually use that on flies early morning, dusk, or if the water is murky. To me gold looks better on a dark fly. Black and purple, or black and blue does well here for darker conditions. I think either way you do it, with or without a tinsel or rib would look good. I prefer a little ribbing, or a tag...but it just depends on the look you want. If these are strictly fishing flies, don't bother with a tag unless you just like it. I try to put as much attractant I can think of for a fish, just to get their attention. It is your fly, I can envision it as being a darn good one. You made some great flies here, and I applaud your efforts, they will pay off!

[Bass_Bug]

OK, here are a few purple versions.

Gold tag
Purple peacock herl butt
Purple wire body
Purple peacock herl thorax
Purple deer hair wing
Black hackle


Purple hackle fiber tail
Gold tinsel rib
Purple chenille body
Black deer hair wing
Black hackle


Gold tinsel tag
Gold oval tinsel rib
Purple peacock herl body
Purple deer hair wing
Purple hackle


All with black thread and black Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear

[NJTroutbum]

Uh-oh! He's got the bug

[kelkay]

Outstanding work. I really like the addition of the purple. Love them all!