Deerfield Special
Wet flies are exceptionally productive flies that can be fished in
just about any manner you wish to fish them. The first flies used by fly
fishermen were often wet flies or streamers. Dry flies are relatively
new creations compared to wets and streamers. If you’re purely a dry
fly fisherman, consider the action you might be missing. Why fish with
only a portion of the possible offerings when you can present the fish
with a full meal deal? Think about it a moment. Are you missing out
on some of the best fly-fishing to be found?
The Deerfield Special was created to imitate emerging sedge
(caddis) on Deerfield Lake, here in the Black Hills. I use it in more
places than just lakes. The fish don’t mind, they just try to eat it
anywhere I use it.
Materials
Hook: Any wet fly hook that’s 1X shorter than standard (I’m
using a Mustad 3399A hook). Sizes 12 to 18.Thread: Black, 6/0.
Body: Peacock herl.
Tail: Red Hackle.
Wing: Mallard flank feather.
Hackle: Hackle: Soft tan, cree, ginger or brown neck hackle, tied wet
style. Hen hackle will also work. (This is another place to use up some
of that cheap hackle you probably own.)
Originally published November 13, 2000 on Fly Anglers Online by Al Campbell.