Classic Wet Fly...Glue in wing????

Fly Patterns
1

I have been trying my hand at some classic wets again. I tied some Lead Wing Coachmans and a few others in spring with poor success. I have gone back and finally got the wing attachment much better. Not perfect yet but much better.

My question is…is it ok to let a little head cement wick into the wing? Is it good or bad? Any tips…?

Barry

2

Most people put head cement ont the head of the fly. If a little gets on the butt of the wing I see nothing wrong with that but the wing should not have any cement on it at all. Ron

3

On Clyde style wet flies, a little drop of head cement is put on the tip of the wing.
http://www.dtnicolson.dial.pipex.com/page13.html
These are wet flies with an upright wing.

4

Hi bjanzen,

Tying the wings on wets is tricky, and it just takes practice. But, just so you know, the fish don’t really care all that much. I’ve caught some trout on some pretty ragged looking ties and others on flies I though were the bee’s knees. If some cement gets onto the base of the wings, it’s fine. You want to aim for not doing it, but don’t worry if you do. The fly will still catch plenty of fish.

If you are having a hard time putting the head cement on and you’re using that useless brush that they always include in a head cement bottle, then you can always just get a big sewing needle and use that. That will pick up a drop of cement, and you can place it on the head with more accuracy. The brush they include is enough to paint over the entire fly!

  • Jeff
5

Barry…if a little bit soaks into it while finishing the head it isnt the end of the world. If you are trying to “fix” a poorly set wing with glue…forgeddaboudit! I won’t whip finish til I’m certain the wing is right. If it isnt, I unwrap it and reset it til I like it. I’m in no hurry. Keep pursuing perfection…you might never get there but, you’ll get alot better…Jason

6

Jason,

I watched a video clip online last night by Don Bastian and learned several tips. Today when your package came, I looked at your fly up close and determined to tie one. Finally got fairly close after three trys. Now to learn the married wing is the next level. Not today though.

Barry