A vintage Appalachian pattern from N.C. tyer Newland Saunders. Not to be confused with the Sheep Creek Special; use it as a cranefly, nymph or streamer.


hook - Mustad 79580 #6
thread - Danville 6/0 brown
underbody - non-tox wire .030
tail - hen back mottled brown
body - dubbing muskrat/rabbit/squirrel mix (original may have called for woodchuck but my supply is depleted so subbed squirrel)
hackle - hen back mottled brown
wing - hackle tips grizzly

Part 1

mash barb, cover shank with non-tox; start thread






strip some hackle fibers, measure (gap width past bend), tie in






dub thread/dub tapered body






tie in hackle by tip; wrap, tie off/trim