Horse Tail Chironomid

March, 2009

                               
			    Fly Pattern: Horse Tail Chironomid 


              Tyer's Name: Phil Huffman            Email: See roster
	
              Date: March 3, 2009             	   Phone: See roster      

    Fly Originator and History: Phil Huffman. As always looking to find new materials. 
    

                                 How the Fly is Fished
    Suggested line and leader: Floating line with or without an indicator. 

    Depth: A couple of feet below the surface, or traditionally within 2-feet of 
    the bottom. Fishing tandem flies at different depths can find feeding depth 
    and color quicker.
    Suggested retrieve: Slow.If not using a "Bobber" keep the line tight. This 
    will be as fast as you need as a retrieve. Assume any movement in the line as 
    a take. A short strip set and slight lift will do.
    Comments: Takes can be very subtle. If you're not using an indicator, watch 
    closely for any line movement. Keep your line as tight as possible and learn 
    to set on instinct: Sometimes this seems to come with little indication of 
    line movement. If fishing is slow and your mind wanders, takes can be missed.

                                 Fly Material
    Hook: make /size / length: #14 Scud
    Thread: size / color /type: None.
    Weighted: y/n / size / # of wraps: No.
    Shuck/Gill material / size / color: Very fine grouse or other game bird feather. 
    Body material /size /color: Horse tail, single strand, your choice of color.
    Ribbing size / color: None.
    Thorax size / color: None.
    Wing size / color: None. 
    Hackle size / color: None.
    Head size / color: Gold bead (or a color of your choice). 
    Other: Clear 'Hard As Nails'.

                               Tying Steps
    1. Head. Slide a gold bead onto the hook.

    2. Shuck and gill. See the photo above. Using a fine grouse feather, 
    feed the stem through the bead, towards the bend (so that the tips of the barbs 
    are on the eye-side of the bead). Separate the barbs from the stem. Remove the 
    stem, leaving a sparse shuck and gill.

    Note: Use the horse hair as if it were regular tying thread.

    3. Body. Wrap a horse hair base over the feather, from the bead to a 
    point just above the barb. Build-up a slightly tapered body.

    4. Whip finish behind the bead. 

    5. Using clear 'Hard As Nails', coat the horse hair to produce a smooth, shiny body.  
   
                   Phil Huffman 03/17/09