Introduction: This guide provides detailed steps for tying the Purple Haze Dry Fly, a highly effective pattern for trout fishing. Follow these instructions to replicate the fly that has become a staple in my fly fishing arsenal.
Materials Needed:
- Hook: Size 14 dry fly hook
- Thread: Purple
- Tail: Cock-de-Leon fibers
- Body: Purple thread
- Thorax: Purple dubbing
- Hackle: Grizzly hackle
- Wing Post: Dyed orange calf tail
Instructions:
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Starting the Thread:
- Secure the hook in your vise.
- Start the purple thread near the eye of the hook.
- Wrap the thread towards the bend, creating an even base layer
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Tying the Tail:
- Select a few Cock-de-Leon fibers.
- Measure them to be roughly the length of the hook shank.
- Tie them in at the bend of the hook, securing with wraps forward.
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Preparing the Wing Post:
- Take a small bunch of dyed orange calf tail.
- Measure it to be the length of the hook shank.
- Tie it in two-thirds up the hook shank.
- Leave the back end of the calf tail long. (This provides a tapered body as you wrap it with the thread).
- Wrap the remaining calf tail with one layer of thread.
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Adding the Hackle:
- Select a grizzly hackle feather.
- Tie it in at the base of the calf tail post.
- Wrap the hackle feather around the base of the post in a parachute style.
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Creating the Thorax:
- Apply a small amount of purple dubbing around the base of the calf tail post.
- This creates a larger, more pronounced thorax.
- Be sure to leave space for wrapping the hackle down to the eye.
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Finishing the Fly:
- Continue wrapping the hackle down towards the eye of the hook.
- Secure the hackle and cut off the excess.
- Finish the fly with a whip finish and a drop of head cement for durability.
Conclusion: The Purple Haze Dry Fly, tied following these detailed instructions, is a proven pattern that’s been highly effective in my fly fishing experiences. It’s a versatile fly that can entice trout in various conditions.
Visit the link for a full video tutorial: https://youtu.be/cszZli5HF0w
