Sparrow
Pattern: Jack Gartside, Fly and photograph: Hans Weilenmann
Make a Sparrow
Hook: 2XL Nymph hook (#10-#14)
Thread: Brown
Tail: Black marabou like feather from a Ringneck Pheasant. (feather is found near the base of the tail)
Body: Olive/gray dubbing
Hackle: Ringneck Pheasant 'metalic sheen' back feather. (feather is found on the lower back of the rump)
Collar: Ringneck Pheasant aftershaft feather. (Aftershaft feather is found attached to the base of the feather which is used for the hackle on this fly)

(The materials are listed in the order they are tied in. Instructions assume righthanded tier.)

Tying instructions:



  1. Run the thread down the shank to the bend and tie in the tail. Length of tail 1/2 shank length.

  2. Apply dubbing to thread and wind a thin, somewhat tapered body.

  3. Tie in hackle by the butt and wrap two turns. (I prefer a very sparse hackle. For this I will strip one side of the feather before tying it in.) Angle hackle back by wrapping one or two turns of thread over the base.

  4. Tie in the aftershaft feather and wrap three turns, stroking 'flue' back after each turn, to form a short collar.

  5. Make a small neat head, whip finish and varnish.

A Flock of Sparrows

Back to Thumbnails

©2002 Hans Weilenmann
Please don't copy/distribute the contents of this page without my explicit permission.