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View of the wet fly


OCC (Orange Coachman and Cree) - Steelhead fly
Hook - Mustad Single Salmon Hook/Model SL73UBLN-36890/Size 8
Thread - 8/0 UNI-Thread (Red)
Front Hackle - Indian Hen Hackle (Coachman Brown)
Thorax Hackle - Hen Saddle Hackle (Cree)
Under Body/Tag - Narrow Mylar Tinsel (Silver)
Body - Pearsall's Marabou Silk (Orange)

The body of this fly has been coated with a thin layer of Tack Free Clear Cure Goo (UV cured resin). This will help increase the durability of the fly, without the need for a metal rib.

Wayne - I finally got to play around with the hackle you sent. I couldn't resist adding them both to this fly. I think the coachman brown looks nice in front of the cree hackle.

NOTES ABOUT THE FLY DESIGN:
I wanted to design a fly that would flash a bit of color (tail section), but then be shrouded by a darker color when it was stripped thru the water, or at the end of the drift. I am hoping the fly will "pulse" with motion and occasional flashes of color. The hackle is intentionally full. I did not strip the cree hackle, but instead folded the fibers before wrapping, so that I could form the thorax without dubbing underneath. The thread is counter-wrapped forward thru the hackle, adding to the durability of the finished fly. I also wanted a fly that would push some water and have a tapered minnow-like profile when there is tension on the line. This may make a useful night fishing fly.

These hooks are quite small for their size. I included a sunflower seed (see first photo), to give you an idea of the size of this fly. It is actually quite small, and should be suitable for trout, as well as steelhead.

Well, that's the theory anyways. The fish will school me, if I am wrong.

Nice looking fly Ray, with the orange body it might be a good salmon fly as well.

Another gem from the vise of our premier creator of original patterns. Two thumbs up, Ray.

Very interesting. I like your theory and thought that has gone onto this wee beastie.
The UV cure resin. This will also negate any colour change to the silk when wet- therefore the pattern could also be tied with synthetic orange thread or floss? Or are you still getting some "show through" of the mylar underbody through the silk?

Did you secretly buy that cree cape in Roscoe?! Haha, I hope so. That fly looks awesome.

Amazing pattern and technique Ray. You really are the Master.

Eric - No. Believe it or not, I actually did not buy the Cree skin we saw in Roscoe. The hackle for this fly was a gift from Wayne. Danged thing is gorgeous.

(Wayne - THANK YOU!!! )

Ray,
Great fly!!

Have you ever read the Jed Davis book Spinner Fishing for Steelhead, Salmon and Trout? Based on his reflections about fish chasing the lure from behind I have long used Fluorescent materials like hot orange floss, etc for that visible hot spot. I take a black light flashlight with me material shopping for steelhead flies.

Absolutely stunning Ray! I love that small size compared to the sunflower seed! Yea, this one says steelhead stamped right in the bend of the hook!
Doug

Bill - No, I have not read that book. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I'll check it out.

Jeff - The UV resin was allowed to soak into the silk, before I cured it with the UV light. The silk darkens and becomes semi-transparent.

Thanks guys.