Woodcock & Hare spider

Fly: Steve Williams, Photograph: Hans Weilenmann

Hook: Orvis dryfly #14
Thread: Pearsall's Gossamer silk--Red
Ribbing: Fine gold wire, counter-wrapped
Body: Lightly twist dubbed with a blend of hare's mask and natural seal
Hackle: English woodcock under covert feather

Note: The dusty light grey and tan markings of the English woodcock under coverts make them one of the most appealing wet fly hackles. Apply dubbing very sparingly to the thread to maintain a slim profile and allow the silk to show through the dubbing. Leave one or two turns of thread showing at the rear of the body.

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© 2003 Hans Weilenmann
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