Soft Hackle PT-Gale Doudy

Hook

Tiemco 5262

Thread

Red 6/0

Tail

Pheasant

Abdomen

Pheasant

Flashback

Medium Pearl Tinsel

Rib

Small Copper Wire

Thorax

Peacock

Legs

Soft Hackle

Head

2.3mm Copper Bead

 

 

 

Step 1. Insert bead onto hook. Attach thread behind eye and wrap to bend of the hook. Attach 6 to 8 pheasant tail fibers extending off the back a hook gap length at the bend of the hook. Do not cut excess. Lift up and thread in front as shown.

Step 2. Tie a piece of copper wire and a piece of pearl mylar at the bend of the hook.

Step 3. Wrap pheasant tail forward to 3/4 point, secure with several wraps. Pull the pearl mylar forward and secure with several wraps of thread. Rib the copper wire forward to the 3/4 point, making sure that the mylar stays on top.  Tie off and cut excess materials.

 

 

 

Step 4. Tie in 4 peacock herls at the 3/4 point by the tip.

Step 5. Place herls into dubbit tool and spin into a rope. Wrap peacock rope forward building a robust thorax to the bead. Tie off and trim excess.

Step 6. Tie in soft hackle behind the bead. Wrap soft hackle 1 to 2 times. Tie off and trim excess if any. Whip finish.

I think everyone has a fly that they have the most confidence in. For me it is without a doubt the Flashback Tungsten Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail (what a name). I have used this fly for several years and is the fly I put on when nothing is happening. The only time I don’t use it is in the middle of winter (well maybe a couple of times).  It is my go to pattern. I think that it works best with a very robust thorax that can only be created using a dubbit tool. Also quail wings are the only soft hackle that I can find that have hackles small enough for a size 18 (the only size I tie). I also firmly believe the red thread is important.  This is my favorite fly for the hopper-copper-dropper, unless there is heavy caddis activity. Then I use a Bubble Butt Pupa.

Gale Doudy