Burlap
By Elaine Cook
I recently ran into an avid steelhead fisherman who says he relies on one main fly - the Burlap. It's an old standard for the mighty migrating fish. Be sure to check regulations for the fishing season and legal fishing days. Also, don't forget a steelhead card!
Hook: Mustad 3906B or other heavy nymph hook 1X long, size 6 - 12
Weight: Lead wire optional (a few lightly weighted and a few heavily weighted will help adjust to various water depths)
Thread: 6/0 brown or tan
Tail: Moose, deer or elk body hair
Body: Burlap
Hackle:
2. Wrap lead around center of hook shank 6-10 wraps depending on size of hook.
3. Attach thread behind lead. Wrap over lead forward in several wraps and onto hook shank. Wrap backward and forward several times. Leave thread hanging behind lead. Apply head cement to lead wraps.
4. Select moderate clump of tail fibers. Clean out underfur. Stack. Lay on hook shank and cut length so that tips extend beyond shank equal to 2/3 hook shank and cut end butting up against lead. Wrap in place so that tail flares only slightly.
5. Attach strand of burlap to rear of shank. Wrap thread to in front of lead (1/4 back on hook shank). Wrap burlap forward forming an untapered body. Tie off, cut excess.
6. Select hackle with barbs equal to two times hook gap. Attach butt end with feather to rear of fly and shiny side toward you. Make several wraps with feather, each one in front of the last. Tie off, cut excess.
7. Wrap thread head, whip finish, cut thread. Apply Super or Krazy glue to head.