THE FALLTIME

MATERIAL LIST HACKLE: . WING: Hook - Salmon #2 4 6

Thread - Unithread orange 6/0

Tail - Red rabbit fur: small clump. Rabbit looks bushy until damp, when it compacts and opens in an enticing way. Rabbit is more durable than marabou, which is an acceptable substitute.

Body - Medium chocolate brown chenille. Another shade of brown is all right if chocolate is not at your station.

Rib - Medium copper tinsel

Hackle - Orange schlappen, or webby saddle

Wing - Brown Squirrel

Head - Tying thread

TYING INSTRUCTION

As this is a normal steelhead type pattern, it goes together in that manner. The only operating trick is in the wing install: size the wing 1/4 inch longer to permit close trimming with scissors. Take three wraps of thread around the wing, and trim as close as you can. Add a small drop of super glue to the butts, add two more wraps of thread, and slowly "ease" the butts under the thread wraps, hiding the butts under, & being careful not to pull the wing off the fly ! Proportion of the wing length is independant of the longer butt ends..their sole purpose is to permit the scissors something to cut.You may need more than three wraps at the onset. Whatever works for you.

COMMENTS

This pattern is suggestive of the fall colours in the Bulkley Valley: reds, coppers, light and dark browns. At the time of development in the 80's, there was no copper tinsel available, so chore-girl pot scrubbers were un-done and the tinsel used for this and other copper needs. Today, excellent mylars are available.