Flash Fly (Steelhead)
The Flash Fly is a modern steelhead pattern that maximizes flash and contrast, designed for swinging in green, off-color, or high winter water. Its combination of hot pink or orange body with gold tinsel and white wing creates a maximum-visibility attractor that steelhead can see from a distance. Fish it on a sink-tip or sinking line swung slowly through deep runs and pool tailouts on rivers of the Pacific Northwest.
- Type
- wet fly (Steelhead)
- Hook sizes
- #4–8
- Target species
- steelhead
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Best seasons
- fall, winter, spring
Materials
- hook: Steelhead wet fly hook #4–8
- thread: Black 6/0
- tail: White marabou or rabbit fur, short
- body: Hot pink or fluorescent orange floss
- ribbing: Flat gold or silver tinsel
- hackle: White hen or saddle hackle, collar
Tying steps
- Mount a size 4–8 hook; start black thread.
- Tie in a short white marabou or rabbit fur tail.
- Wind flat gold or silver tinsel rib.
- Wind hot pink or fluorescent orange floss body to the 2/3 mark.
- Counter-wrap tinsel rib over the body in 6 spirals.
- Tie in a white hackle collar; make 3–4 turns and sweep back.
- Tie in an overwing of white calf tail or polar bear hair.
- Add 4–6 strands of Flashabou alongside the wing for maximum flash.
- Build a neat head; whip finish and cement.