Steelhead Alley Fly Tying: Robinson's Chicken Little

Monday, January 12, 2009

Robinson's Chicken Little

TIED AS PUBLISHED IN THE JAN-FEB 2009 EDITION OF OHIO COUNTRY ANGLIN' JOURNAL

STEP #1: Start white thread on a size 8 2x strong nymph hook and wind to the start of the bend or even with the barb.

STEP #2: Choose two grizzly marabou feathers (sand color) and tie in with a tail length equal to hook shank length. Wrap thread forward to the 2/3 to 3/4 mark on hook shank and clip off excess marabou. Return thread to the start of the tail in preparation for chenille in next step.

STEP #3: Take midge cactus chenille (color bonefish tan) and tie in at the start of tail. Advance thread forward to where the grizzly marabou was clipped. Wrap chenille forward with wraps touching to where the marabou was clipped. Tie off chenille and clip.

STEP #4: Select Mallard feather (color Woodduck Gold) and clip the "V" into the top allowing for wings on either side of hook shank. Lay feather over hook with tips slightly longer than the hook and take two loose wraps allowing feather to move around the hook shank distributing the feather fibers evenly.

STEP #5: Make several more wraps over the Mallard feather and clip. Continue to wrap down the remaining feather making an even thread base for the McFly Foam in the next step.

STEP #6: Cut a 1 inch piece of McFly Foam (color of choice...pink shown) and double it over. Lay over hook shank and tie down in center with 8-10 wraps.

STEP #7: Pull McFly Foam up into a post type position and wrap around the base just as you would for a parachute dry fly. Do so with 8-10 wraps of thread. Next, wrap the thread to the front. Make several final wraps and whip finish.

STEP #8: Pull up McFly Foam and cut to a length of 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. Fluff the foam around the hook making an egg shaped head.

STEP #9: Turn the fly upside down and pull McFly Foam down and away from the thread base. Next, add a drop of Zap-a-Gap or other adhesive and push foam back into position.