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The F Fly
Some fly patterns are as old as fly fishing itself and their origins are lost way back in the mists of time. And some aren't. This one isn't.The F Fly was designed by Slovenian fly fisher Marjan Fratnik and was brought to the world's attention in the 1980's. It uses the unique properties of the Cul de Canard (CDC) feather, which is found around the preen gland of ducks. The literal translation of cul de canard is duck's arse. These feathers have been referred to as the fisherman's miracle feather as they have natural waterproofing qualities, which is rather useful in a dry fly as it makes them float.
The F Fly fulfils the two main requirements for a fly on this site: it is simple to tie, and devastatingly effective on trout and grayling. Tie it on any size hook from 12 to as small as you want. The original pattern had just a wound silk body in a colour of your choice, but here we add some dubbing, this time seal's fur.
But have a play. Choose a thread colour that matches the insects on your water, and a size of course, and either a synthetic or natural dubbing - or blend of dubbing. The key to this fly is that wing, the CDC feather - get it right, and the angle right, and do what you want on the hook-shank.
You can buy all the tools and materials here
The F Fly fulfils the two main requirements for a fly on this site: it is simple to tie, and devastatingly effective on trout and grayling. Tie it on any size hook from 12 to as small as you want. The original pattern had just a wound silk body in a colour of your choice, but here we add some dubbing, this time seal's fur.
But have a play. Choose a thread colour that matches the insects on your water, and a size of course, and either a synthetic or natural dubbing - or blend of dubbing. The key to this fly is that wing, the CDC feather - get it right, and the angle right, and do what you want on the hook-shank.
You can buy all the tools and materials here
Step by Step
F Fly Ingredients
Dry Fly hook size 14
Thread colour of your choice - brown is suggested as a start.
Two CDC feathers
Dubbing colour/ blend of your choice - olive suggested as a start.
Dry Fly hook size 14
Thread colour of your choice - brown is suggested as a start.
Two CDC feathers
Dubbing colour/ blend of your choice - olive suggested as a start.
1: Wind thread in touching turns to the hook bend.
2: Form a sparse dubbing rope and wind body back towards the hook-eye.
3: Place the two CDC feathers back to back, and tie on the hook-shank a few millimetres from the hook-eye. Leave enough room to tie off the feather and form the head of the fly. Do a couple of 'soft wraps', then pull the the feathers forwards until the tips extend just further back than the bend of the hook. Pick up the wing and make two turns of thread behind it. This will lift the angle of the wing slightly. Then make four or five tighter wraps in front of the wing to bind down the feather.
4: Tie off, either with a whip finish or a three turn half-hitch. Add a drop of varnish to secure the knot.
