Materials:
Hook: Kamasan B160. 12. - 18.
Thread: Black Uni Thread or Polyester.
Tail: Calf Tail [Brown]
Body: Tying thread over Calf Tail.
Wings: Calf Tail [Brown]
Hackle: Nat Red or Whiting 100’s Brown.
Head: Black.
Step 1. Wrap hook shank with thread from the eye to start of
bend. Spiral the thread back to half way along the shank. Secure
with a half hitch. Allow bobbin holder to hang. Cut a pinch of
Calf Tail long enough to allow for both wings and tail when laid
along the length of the hook shank. I allow extra length for
trimming to size of both wing and tail. This one-piece wing and
tail method is a feature of the fly and helps buoyancy.
Step 2. Catch the Calf Tail in at the point where the thread was
left hanging and secure. Work the thread back toward the bend to
a point over the barb. Half hitch then work the thread back to
the wing position in close tight turns of thread and POST the
wing material Upright.
Step 3. Once the wing has been posted split it into two equal
sections using figure eight turns. Tie the wings into a Semi
Spent Position. Take two turns of thread round the base of each
wing to stop the wings fluffing up.
Step 4. Catch and tie the hackle in behind the wings Butt first
dull side facing forward allowing for four turns of hackle. Allow
the butt end to extend through between the wings, and tie it down
in front of the wings and clip the excess.
Step 5. Wrap the Hackle forward toward the eye taking four
turns behind the wings and two turns in front of the wings.
Tie off and trim surplus hackle and thread.
Step 6. Make a neat head, whip finish and apply head
cement.
Step 7. Clip wings and tail if necessary to get a balanced effect.
[I know using scissors is frowned upon, but in my experience with
the way the fly performs, the trout don’t seem to mind, and long
wings make the fly spin while casting].
I tie a very sparse version of the Roughy for fishing the evening
rise and a medium dressed fly for those windless days when the trout
are being picky. The full version as depicted is for windy days and
fishing rapids and riffles. It is my ‘go to’ fly and a great fish
fetcher.
So give it a try and have fun. ~ Jax
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Originally published February 4, 2008 on Fly Anglers Online by Jax.