Paul's April 2022 Bonus Fly of the Month

 Modified Hornberg

Hook:  Diachi 2220 Size #10 4X long streamer hook or similar.    

Thread:  Black. 

Under Body:  Lead wire.       Body:  Gold mylar braided tubing.

Wing:  Yellow dyed mallard.  

Hackle:  Grizzly hen.

Head:   Black thread.

 

This is someone’s super secret fly that I’ve had in my box and used for at least 25 years now.  I never listed it as a “Fly of the Month” out of thanks and respect to the individual that turned me onto it.  But I think it’s time now.   This particular variation is used a lot on trout streams in Massachusetts.  Traditionally, hornbergs are tied so that they can be fished either as a dry fly or fished as a streamer.   This modified design is for use as a streamer.   And boy is it effective, especially for rainbows.  I’ve caught a ton of browns on it too.   

 

Begin by applying a thread base across the hook shank.   Wrap the mid section with lead wire.  Cover with thread and lacquer.  Tie off and cut off thread.   Cut a piece of the mylar gold tubing to hook shank length.   Remove center cord and slip tubing over the hook shank.   Tie the tubing to the hook shank where the rear of the hook shank meets the bend.  Whip finish and cut off thread.  I usually use clear mono to do this but you can use any color thread. You can ‘ruffle’ out the trailing mylar strands.  Re-apply thread approximately ¼ of the hook shank length from the hook eye.  Tie in wing of yellow dyed mallard.  Tie in grizzly hen hackle.   Wrap hackle forward 4-5 turns.  Form head and tie off fly.   When fishing this fly dead drift it, twitch it, wet fly swing it, and strip it fast and furious.   It all works.  DEFINITELY USE IT IF THERE ARE RAINBOWS IN THE WATER!

 

If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of the Month, e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com .