Small Fry Fly

[Paul D]

Small Fry Mustad #34007 Size 4.jpg

Small Fry Mustad #34184 1-0 Jig.jpg

Small Fry Diachi #2220 4x Size 6.jpg

Small Fry
“A Great Cross Over Fly”

Small Fry Salt Water Version
Hook: Mustad 34077 or similar – size to match forage fish (Pictured is tied on Size 4 hook).
Thread: Mono, 3/0 thread, flat waxed nylon, or Fly Master Plus, with color to match wing.
Belly(underwing): White buck tail.
Flash: A few strands of holographic tinsel and pearl flash.
Wing: Sparse layer of pink buck tail topped by a heavier layer of olive buck tail.
Eyes: 3 D adhesive eyes.
Epoxy or Resin: Cover eyes and half of the body with 5 minute epoxy or “light curing” resin.

Small Fry Salt Water “Jig” Version
Hook: Mustad 34184 or similar – size to match forage fish (Pictured is tied on Size 1/0 hook).
Thread: Mono, 3/0 thread, flat waxed nylon, or Fly Master Plus, with color to match wing.
Weight: Lead (.035 - approximately 10 wraps) on 1/3 of the hook shank closest to the bend before the eye.
Belly(underwing): White buck tail.
Flash: A few strands of holographic tinsel and pearl flash.
Wing: Sparse layer of pink buck tail topped by a heavier layer of olive buck tail.
Eyes: 3 D adhesive eyes.
Epoxy or Resin: Cover eyes and half of the body with 5 minute epoxy or “light curing” resin.

Small Fry Fresh Water Streamer
Hook: Diachi 2220 4x long hook or similar – size to match forage fish (Pictured is tied on Size 6 hook).
Thread: Mono, 3/0 thread, flat waxed nylon, or Fly Master Plus, with color to match wing.
Belly(underwing): White buck tail.
Flash: A few strands of holographic tinsel and pearl flash.
Wing: Sparse layer of pink buck tail topped by a heavier layer of olive buck tail.
Eyes: 3 D adhesive eyes.
Epoxy or Resin: Cover eyes and half of the body with 5 minute epoxy or “light curing” resin.

There are 3 different flies here with a basic pattern recipe. All work great. I started tying this fly after seeing friends from CT/RI Fly Fishers fishing it in the salt. Not only is this a great fly to imitate small bait fish, it’s also a great fresh water streamer. I’ve caught some nice trout on it. I also experimented with it by tying it larger and heavier on a jig hook and did well on that. In the salt I fish it with slow small twitches, especially when I get close to the end of my retrieve.

Begin by covering the first 3rd of the hook shank (near the eye of the hook) with thread.

Jig Fly - If you’re tying the jig fly remember that you will be tying this pattern on an inverted hook. The fly is going to ride upside down similar to a clouser minnow. You also must cover the thread with wrapped lead.

Next, tie in your white buck tail belly. On the small salt water fly, and the trout streamer, the belly is tied in sparse. Now it’s time to tie in your wing. Tie in a few strands of holographic tinsel and pearl flash. Not much is needed. Next, tie in a sparse layer of pink buck tail. On top of that is a heavier clump of olive buck tail. Form a head with tying thread. Tie and clip off the thread. Add your 3 D adhesive eyes. Coat the eyes and body from the eye of the hook to half way down the hook shank.

This fly can also be viewed at the Housatonic Fly Fishermen’s Association website at www.hffa.net and www.tightlinesflyfishing.blogspot.com .