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Tying and Fishing Soft Hackles, Flymphs, Winged Wets, and All-Fur Wet Flies: A Comprehensive Guide

Robert Reed

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Published in Wet Flies: Tying And Fishing Soft Hackles Flymphs Winged Wets And All Fur Wet Flies

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Tyers and anglers have a wide array of wet fly patterns to choose from, and the soft hackle, flymph, winged wet, and all-fur wet fly stand out as some of the best for enticing trout to bite. These patterns are unique in their construction and presentation, giving anglers distinct advantages on the water.

Soft Hackles

Soft hackles are sparse patterns that feature a soft feather collar around the hook. This collar creates a subtle and lifelike movement in the water, which makes them particularly effective for fishing imitative nymphs and soft-bodied emerging insects. The soft hackle is a versatile fly that can be fished in different ways, from floating on the surface to swinging under an indicator.

Wet Flies: Tying and Fishing Soft-Hackles, Flymphs, Winged Wets, and All-Fur Wet Flies

by Dave Hughes

4.8 out of 5

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When tying a soft hackle, it is important to select a feather with the right size and softness. The feather should be wrapped around the hook shank in three to four turns, with the tips pointing forward. The hackle should be sparse, allowing water to flow through it and enabling it to move freely.

Flymphs

Flymphs are a hybrid fly pattern that combines elements of the nymph and wet fly. They are typically tied with a beadhead and a sparsely dressed body made from materials like rabbit fur or synthetic fibers. The body is often ribbed with wire or thread, which gives it a lifelike segmented appearance. Flymphs are versatile flies that can be fished effectively in a variety of water conditions, from still pools to fast-moving currents.

When tying a flymph, it is important to pay attention to the size and shape of the beadhead. The beadhead should be large enough to provide weight for sinking the fly, but not so large that it overpowers the fly's profile. The body should be sparse and have a natural, segmented appearance.

Winged Wets

Winged wets are classic wet fly patterns that feature a wing made from feather or hair. The wing adds lift and stability to the fly, making it an effective choice for fishing in deeper water or in currents. Winged wets are versatile flies that can be used to imitate a variety of aquatic insects, including mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies.

When tying a winged wet, it is important to choose a wing material that is durable and will not absorb too much water. The wing can be made from a variety of materials, including turkey feather, wood duck feather, or even hair from a deer's tail. The wing should be tied in at a slight angle, with the tips pointing slightly forward.

All-Fur Wet Flies

All-fur wet flies are patterns that are tied entirely from fur, usually deer hair or rabbit fur. These flies are very durable and have a natural, lifelike appearance. All-fur wet flies are effective for imitative nymph patterns, especially large patterns that cannot be tied with a soft hackle. They are also excellent flies for fishing in cold water, as the fur does not absorb much water and will not freeze as easily as other materials.

When tying an all-fur wet fly, it is important to use a fine-bodied hook. The fur should be tied in at the tail of the fly, and then wrapped forward in a series of overlapping turns. The fur should be packed tightly, but not so tightly that it obscures the hook.

Fishing Soft Hackles, Flymphs, Winged Wets, and All-Fur Wet Flies

When fishing soft hackles, flymphs, winged wets, and all-fur wet flies, it is important to experiment with different retrieve techniques to determine what works best for the situation. These flies can be fished with a variety of retrieves from slow and steady to fast and erratic. It is also important to pay attention to the depth at which you are fishing the fly. Some patterns are more effective when fished shallow, while others can be fished deeper in the water column.

Soft hackles, flymphs, winged wets, and all-fur wet flies are versatile and effective patterns that can help anglers catch more trout. By understanding the unique characteristics of each pattern and how to tie and fish them, anglers can increase their success on the water.

Wet Flies: Tying and Fishing Soft-Hackles, Flymphs, Winged Wets, and All-Fur Wet Flies

by Dave Hughes

4.8 out of 5