Fly: Peacock All-Fur Wet

Hook:  TMC 5262
Thread:  Olive UNI-Thread, 8/0
Tail:  Olive-dyed pine squirrel hide
Body:  Peacock herl, Natural
Hackle:  Olive-dyed pine squirrel hide
Credit:  Dave Hughes

Notes: 
• I’m a big fan of wet flies for many reasons. They fish well in diverse conditions, and they often have a rich and interesting history. This is a Dave Hughes creation, influenced by the wonderful work of E.H. “Polly” Rosborough. I’ve made a few material modifications and, arguably, over hackled a bit. This, however, underscores the flies’s ability to invoke movement when fished. And the use of peacock herl is the icing on the cake that has proven deadly on many classic patterns.
• For those experimenting with wet fly fishing, there is often a worry about weight. One may be inclined to add a bead, use underling wire, etc.. Try resisting this temptation. All fur wet flies are versatile. Dressing them with floatant will allow the fly to ride on the surface, in the film or upper water column. Submerging them in water before casting will weight them significantly, especially with such significant fur. Water as weight will allow depth to be achieved in a slightly more natural fashion. It will also allow the balanced pine squirrel fibers to perform naturally through the entire length of the fly.

(1)  Click Play.
(2)  See caption below photos for further details.