One of the oldest and most effective wet flies in the American tradition. The peacock herl body, coachman brown hackle, and paired mallard wing suggest caddis and mayfly emergers being swept along in the current.
1. Thread base — Attach black thread behind the eye and build a base to the bend.
2. Tag (optional) — Wrap 4–6 turns of gold wire at the bend as a tag.
3. Body — Twist 2–3 peacock herls together and wind a full, round body from the bend to the 3/4 point. Tie off.
4. Hackle — Tie in a coachman brown hackle and wind 2–3 turns as a wet-fly collar. Sweep the fibers back and secure.
5. Wing — Cut two matched slips from paired gray duck/mallard WING quills (the slate 'leadwing' feathers — not barred flank). Tie in as a paired downwing, tips together, extending to the hook bend.
6. Head — Build a neat wet-fly head. Whip finish and apply head cement.
Seasons
Water conditions
hook
thread
tag
body
hackle
wing
Brachycentrus spp.
Hydropsyche spp.
