In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Fly Fish Food gives us a great tutorial on how to tie Libby’s Stonefly – Henry’s Fork Salmon Fly.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Salmon Fly hatch. A world renowned hatch that draws anglers from across the globe to the western part of the United States to take part in this annual phenomenon. This hatch can be somewhat predictable showing up in late May and early June. But once they are hatching, you will know it.
A salmon fly is basically a large stonefly that is usually tied with some sort of foam material to ensure optimum floating capabilities. In this case, Cheech of Fly Fish Food demonstrates how this fly can be tied without any foam and fish just as effectively. Many patterns you will see of this fly will include a significant amount of orange coloration in the body of the fly. If you look at a live salmon fly, you will notice that they aren’t as orange as people think. That is important to remember when tying your flies for this annual hatch.
It is important to remember to keep the thorax of the salmon fly rather slender as most adult salmon flies have a slimmer profile contrary to popular belief. With this tie, Cheech uses multiple CDC clumps which work very well as a substitute for foam body material. Pairing CDC with elk hair and floatant will keep you on top all day long. If you are eager to venture out west and experience the salmon fly hatch first hand, you are going to want to have a handful of Libby’s Stone Fly patterns in your box.
Ingredients:
- Hook: TMC 5263 Nymph & Streamer Hook – 25 Pack – 4
- Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread – 6/0 – Fl. Orange
- Tails / Antennae: Round Rubber Legs – Fine – Black
- Under Body: Polypropylene Floating Yarn (Carded) – Orange
- Body / Head: Beaver Plus Dubbing – Black
- Body / Head: Dirty Bug Yarn – Mottled Olive
- Ribbing: Hends Body Glass – Round – Orange
- Underwing: Swiss CDC Standard Grade – Dark Gray Khaki
- Underwing (Alternate): Nature’s Spirit CDC – Medium Slate Dun
- CDC Hackle: Swiss CDC Ultra Select XL Grade – Dark Gray Khaki
- Overwing: Classic Bull Elk Mane 3×4 Large Patch – Natural Dark
- Overwing (alt): Elk Mane
- Legs: Round Rubber Legs – Medium – Black
- Tool: Feather Prepper
Now you know how to tie Libby’s Stonefly – Henry’s Fork Salmon Fly.
Video and Ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.
