In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, the legend Davie McPhail ties a variation of a classic Atlantic salmon pattern, the Red Francis Spey Fly.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Difficult
Atlantic salmon fishing is well underway for both our Canadian and European friends as we are nearly midway through July. There are few species as picky and difficult to understand as Atlantic salmon, but their fight and mysterious behavior have turned many anglers into true addicts. Not only are these fish visually stunning, but the patterns that are often used to fool them also match that description. There is a reason why people dedicate their lives to Atlantic salmon fishing, and it all starts when that first fish is hooked, which is why every novice should be carrying the Red Francis Spey Fly during their first season.
This pattern will be easiest to master by those with tying experience. Although no singular step is exceptionally difficult, proportions are very important to the profile and effectiveness of spey flies. Take your time with this one, as classic patterns deserves the utmost respect and attention to detail. What is a better way to spend a night than breaking out your favorite drink and decompressing by tying the Red Francis Spey Fly this summer.
Swinging is the name of the game when targeting Atlantic salmon, so it is wise to freshen up on your skills with a two-handed rod before you hit the water. You shouldn’t begin chasing this species if you are looking for numbers, but rather an experience more similar to hunting. Enjoy your time on the water this season and always be mindful of temperatures as we begin seeing peak heat, unfortunately making our beloved species stressed and more prone to death if caught. Chasing Atlantic salmon for the first time is a daunting task, but choosing the Red Francis Spey fly should give you the confidence needed to hook your first leaper.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Ahrex HR420 Progressive Double hook, size 8 — strong and well-suited for salmon
- Thread: Red Uni 8/0 — used to bind and accent the materials
- Tag & Rib: Small oval silver tinsel — adds flash and segmentation
- Feelers: Stripped natural brown hackles — mimic shrimp antennae
- Body: Red wool or synthetic dubbing — provides bold color and texture
- Legs & Body Hackle: Natural brown cock or hen — adds lively movement
- Throat: Teal fibres — enhances the underwater silhouette
- Wing: Bronze mallard feathers — traditional material for spey-style flies
- Head: Glo-Brite Floss No.4 Flo-Red — offers a vivid final touch to catch attention
Now you know how to tie the Red Francis Spey Fly!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Davie McPhail.
