The Lady Bug
submitted by Elaine Cook
This pattern simulates the obvious. It was originated by Bob Scheidt from the Visalia area. He finds it to be a good producer, particularly in areas like Northern California, where ladybugs are abundant. This is a good fly for you beginners to tie.
| Hook: | Size 16 Daiichi 1180, TMC 5210,or TMC 100 |
| Thread: | Black 8/0 or 6/0 |
| Shellback: | Orange foam |
| Underbody: | Black rabbit fur |
| Legs: | Black neck hackle | Antenna: | Stems of hackle |
1. Crimp barb.
2. Shellback: Attach thread mid-shank and wrap to rear of shank. Cut a piece of foam (see diagram) and tie in most of the tapered portion on top of shank.
3. Underbody: Dub rear 2/5ths of shank making a thick, non-tapered body.
4. Legs: Select a large hackle feather and cut in half. Prepare tip ends by cutting 5-6 barbs short on each side of the stems. Tie in front of body, dull side toward you, butts to the rear.
5. Underbody (continued): Dub forward to two hook eye lengths behind the hook eye, making the body thickness as before.
6. Legs (continued): Wrap hackle forward in about 5 close wraps. DO NOT TIE OFF. Cut barbs short on top. Cut the remaining barbs the length of the hook gap.
7. Shellback (continued): Pull foam forward and tie down in front of underbody. Cut the foam close to thread wraps.
8. Head: Wrap thread head over foam stub and cut thread. If not all of the foam is covered, use a fine-tip black permanent marker to cover.
9. Cut butt ends of hackle stems equal to two times the head length. Strip barbs off sides of stem to make antenna.
10. Finish by making numerous black dots on the top and sides of the shellback with fine point black permanent marker.