Roughy


Fly: Jax Murray, Photograph: Hans Weilenmann

Hook: Kamasan B160. 12. - 18.
Thread: Black Uni Thread or Polyester
Tail: Brown Calf Tail
Body: Tying Thread
Wing: Brown Calf Tail
Hackle: Natural Red or Brown Whiting 100s cock

Tying instructions:

  1. Wrap hook shank with thread from the eye to start of bend. Spiral the thread back to 5mmfrom the eye. Secure with a half hitch. Allow bobbin holder to hang.

  2. Cut a pinch of Calf Tail long enough to allow for both wings and tail when laid along the length of the hook shank. [I allow extra length for trimming to size of both wing and tail] This one-piece Wing to Tail construction. Is a feature of the fly and helps buoyancy.

  3. Catch the Calf Tail in at the point 3 to 4mm from the eye where the thread was left hanging and secure. Work the thread back toward the bend to a point over the barb. Half hitch then work the thread back to the wing position in close tight turns of thread and POST the wing material Upright.

  4. Once the wing has been posted split it into two equal sections and using figure eight turns. Tie the wings into a Semi Spent Position. Take two turns of thread round the base of each wing to stop the wings Fluffing Up.

  5. Catch and tie the hackle in behind the wings Butt first allowing for two turns of hackle. Allow the butt end to extend through between the wings, and tie it down in front of the wings and clip the excess.

  6. Wrap the Hackle forward toward the eye taking three turns behind the wings and two turns in front of the wings. Tie off and trim surplus hackle and thread. Apply Head Cement.

I tie a very sparse version of the Roughy for fishing the Evening Rise and a medium dressed fly for those windless days when the trout are being picky. The full version as depicted is for windy days and fishing rapids and riffles. It is my Go To fly and a great fish fetcher.

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© 2005 Hans Weilenmann
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