Freight Train

intermediatesteelheadswing flywet flyriverfallwinterspringpacific northwest

Description

The Freight Train is a traditional steelhead swing fly for river work from fall through spring. This orange-and-white wet-fly variant shows well in colored water, rides slim in the current, and gives just enough flash and movement for broad tailouts, walking-speed seams, and soft inside edges.

Materials

Tying Instructions

1.
Secure the hook in the vise with the shank level and start the Orange, 6/0 Thread one eye length behind the eye.
2.
Wrap a smooth thread base rearward to the bend.
3.
Tie in a short bunch of White Calf Tail at the bend for the tail, about one hook gap long.
4.
Tie in Flat Silver Tinsel at the bend on the far side of the shank.
5.
Wrap the Orange, 6/0 Thread forward in touching turns to form a slim body, stopping two eye lengths behind the eye.
6.
Spiral the Flat Silver Tinsel forward over the orange body in open, even turns and secure it at the front of the body.
7.
Tie in a sparse bunch of White Calf Tail over the top of the shank for the wing, extending to about the end of the tail.
8.
Select one Orange Hen Hackle with fibers about one hook gap long and strip the fluff from the base.
9.
Tie in the hackle by the tip in front of the wing, take two soft turns, and sweep the fibers rearward as you wrap.
10.
Secure the hackle, trim the excess, and build a small neat thread head.
11.
Whip finish and apply head cement.