FLYMPH FORUM

A beetle? A peeking caddis? Whatever the trout take it for, this pattern has historically been a productive one on my home waters. In truth, the hackle was originally English Red grouse, but skins of that bird are not common and therefore quite expensive. Luckily, I've found that a Whiting Brahma hen dyed golden brown is close enough to fool the fish.

Hook: Daiichi 1530, Size #14 (also #16)
Thread: Uni-Thread 8/0, camel
Hackle: Brahma hen dyed golden brown
Tag: Flat gold mylar tinsel, small
Body: Two strands peacock herl

Great fly Bill, we have been thinking along the same lines. I started out with Brown & Gray Hackle Peacocks as my go to wet flies. I could not find either here when I did a search last week ( words too general?).

That's the classic fly, Bill. Perfection.

Nice.
Put a red head on that and it’s almost a Brackenclock.

Yow Bill, that's a nice one for sure! It seems peacock bodied patterns are the "go to" pattern just about everywhere including the two water holes below my shack! I like the grouse hackle on your pattern! I too have had great success with this wonderful pattern with it's many different hackle choices!
Beautiful tying Bill!
Doug

They don't just fool fish. I tie some with red grouse and some with brahma hen and I can't tell which is which in my fly box.

That’s gorgeous Bill, I love it!