Robinson's Chicken Hawk

Here is a new early season fly that has just finished it's field testing and is working remarkably well. Inspired by it's larger brother the Chicken Little, this fly has been in conceptual form for some time. Recently, it was finally put into action and has become quite the little weapon. The fly is best fished in lower, clear water conditions when fish are pressured, stressed and not so willing to take. In such conditions, this fly has proven to be a real jewel.

ROBINSON'S CHICKEN HAWK

Below is the step by step process for this simple tie. If you have any questions about this fly, feel free to contact me at flybum@windstream.net.

CHICKEN HAWK

Hook: Daiichi 1120 size 14

Body: Hairline Midge Cactus Chenille - Chartreuse

Wing: Green-Wing Teal Flank Feather

Head: McFly Foam - Fl. Cerise

(Alternate color combos below)

Step #1: Start thread about the mid point of the

hook shankand wrap back to deep into the bend

of the hook. This is where your material will start.

Step #2: Take some Hairline chartreuse midge

cactus chenille and tie in deep in the bend of the

hook. After tie in, wrap thread forward to the

2/3 point of the hook shank.

Step #3: Wrap the cactus chenille forward to

about the 2/3 point of the hook shank capture

with thread and cut.

Step #4: Select a Green-wing Teal flank feather.

Stroke fibers in their natural direction and size up

the hackles to the hook. The hackle should protrude

slightly beyond the bend of the hook. Capture just

in front of the tie off point for the chenille and wrap

several times, then clip the excess hackle and wrap

down any remaining fibers.

Step #5: Take a 3/4 inch piece of Fl. Cerise Mcfly

Foam and lay over thread base that remains. Capture

the foam at its mid point and make 6 turns of thread

to secure it.

Step #6: Next, pull McFly Foam into and up

position and make 6-8 wraps around the base

making a post of foam. Take care to make sure all

wraps stay tight to each other if not directly on top of

each other. Once wrapped, whip finish and cut

the excess thread.

Step #7: Lastly, take sharp scissors and cut the

McFly Foam about 1/4" above the thread wraps

and trim up to form a very small foam head.

Final: The fly is now ready to be added to your box.

THE CHICKEN HAWK TIED IN FOUR COLOR COMBINATIONS

This pattern is designed to be a small enticer that will present well to fish under many of our early fall water conditions. Fish will readily take this offering under an indicator if water depth allows for it, or on a tight lined presentation.


Add a few of these to your box and be sure to drop a line to let us know how you do with them.


Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Head Guide
Steelhead Alley Outfitters