In this week’s How to Tie video feature, In the Riffle is going to show us how to tie the Henry’s fork Salmon Fly.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Named after the Henry’s Fork, a tributary river of the Snake River, the Henry’s Fork Salmon Fly is tied to imitate the final stage of the salmon fly, which is a common hatch during the spring and summer months in Idaho. The salmon fly is the largest insect within the stonefly family and is one of the most visually distinct bugs in the diet of a western trout.
Named for their salmon-colored abdomens, the Henry’s fork salmon fly is an easy target for massive trout. Once they emerge from their nymph-like state, male flies sit vulnerable as their wings dry. During this time, these floating protein-bars are incredibly vulnerable to trout awaiting their scheduled feeding time. Once the male’s wings are dry, they immediately begin to look for a mate. Surveying banks and rocky vegetation, males search for females in order to restart the process. In this time, plenty of bachelors are snatched up by sub-surface predators before they get to pass on their lineage.
There are hundreds of ways to tie the salmon fly. Some include foam, some, specialized wax-paper wings. However, when it comes to consistency and dependability, the Henry’s Fork salmon fly is always a solid option. Due to its simple material make-up, as well as its lightweight build, this fly is sure to float well, and die-hard.
Ingredients:
- UTC ultra thread 140 denier, orange
- Size 8 Anrex FW531 barbless hook
- Black coastal Deer Hair
- Whiting Brown Rooster Hackle
- Rusty Orange Hairline Dubbing
- Natural White Elk Hair
Now you know how to tie the Henry’s Fork Salmon Fly!
Video courtesy of In The Riffle
