Bunny diver

Bunny diver

Fly: Henk Verhaar, Photograph: Hans Weilenmann
Hook:	Pike hook, sizes 3/0 and larger. Preferably a TMC 96P, alternatively a Partridge Ad Swier (CS42)
Thread:	UNI, size 8/0
Tail:	Dyed saddle feathers and schlappen
Body:	Bunny strip, preferably (but not absolutely necessary) cross-cut , hackled
Head:	Deer hair, spun and clipped
Head:	French partridge feathers

A large (but not excessively so) pike fly, useful for surface action in weeded areas, or as vertical action fly on a sinking line. If you can spin and shape deer hair, this fly is not too difficult to make.

The tails is made out of 16 or more (multiples of four) saddle/schlappen feathers, tied in colour matched batches of 4. For each batch of four feathers, match two left curving to two right curving feathers, and tie in so that the feathers curve towards each other, in a horizontal plane. Start with the longest feathers and place the shorter selections progressively outward. These tail feathers are tied in over the barb of the hook (which, incidentally, you should flatten first thing before clamping it in the vise). Tie in a strip of rabbit fur, leather side up, free end pointing backwards, just in front of the feathers, and wrap forward in overlapping turns. Back to Thumbnails