Boss

intermediatepacific salmonsalmonsteelheadstreamerattractorswing flyriverfallspringtraditional

Description

The Boss is a Pacific salmon and steelhead bucktail attractor for swinging through runs in spring and fall. A flat silver tinsel body gives the fly flash, the natural bucktail wing gives it a slim baitfish profile, and the red saddle hackle throat adds a hot color point at the front. It is a straightforward dressing, but clean tinsel wraps and an even bucktail wing take some control at the vise.

Materials

Tying Instructions

  1. 1.

    Secure the hook in the vise and pinch the barb if desired.

  2. 2.

    Start the red thread behind the eye and wrap a smooth thread base back to the bend.

  3. 3.

    Tie in the flat silver tinsel at the bend with the shiny side positioned to face out when wrapped.

  4. 4.

    Wrap the tinsel forward in close, even turns to just behind the eye, then tie it off and trim the waste.

  5. 5.

    Clean and stack a small bunch of natural bucktail.

  6. 6.

    Tie in the bucktail on top of the shank at the front of the body, with the tips extending just beyond the bend.

  7. 7.

    Select a red saddle hackle with fibers about one hook gap long and strip the fibers from one side of the stem.

  8. 8.

    Tie in the hackle by the tip in front of the wing and take one or two turns to form a sparse throat/collar.

  9. 9.

    Stroke the hackle fibers rearward, secure the stem, and trim the waste.

  10. 10.

    Build a small neat head with red thread.

  11. 11.

    Whip finish and apply black head lacquer.