classic steelhead flies
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A Sampling of Classic Steelhead Fly Patterns,
with tying notes

PictureTwo variations of a Silver Demon (tied by John Shewey)
Silver Demon (variation, top) 
Hook: Dave McNeese Blue Heron Hook
Tag: Flat silver tinsel
Tail: Golden Pheasant crest topped with barred Wood Duck
Rib: Medium gold oval tinsel
Body: Flat silver tinsel
Hackle: Orange
Wing: Gray squirrel
Cheeks: Jungle Cock
Head: Claret thread
Notes: Use a flat white thread, such as UTC, to create a smooth underbody over which to build the flat silver tinsel body; as with the tag, I prefer to make the body of two layers, starting the flat tinsel at front, wrapping rearward, reversing directions, and returning to the front.

Picture
Umpqua Special
Hook: TMC 700 (no longer made, but any standard steelhead or heavy trout wet fly hook)
Tag: One turn of ribbing material under the tail
Tail: Red bucktail over white bucktail
Rib: Gold oval tinsel
Butt: Yellow wool yarn
Body: Red wool yarn
Hackle: Brown
Wing: White bucktail with red bucktail over or along sides
Cheeks: Jungle cock



Picture
  Drain's 20
 
Originator: Wes Drain, circa 1946
  Tag: Fluorescent yellow floss
  Tail: Golden pheasant tippet topped with yellow toucan or substitute
  Body: Fluorescent red floss
  Rib: Flat silver tinsel
  Hackle: Purple 
  Underwing: Red cock-of-the-rock substitute, such as golden pheasant flank dyed fluorescent red
  Wing: Gray squirrel tail
  Cheeks: Jungle cock
 

Picture
  Brad's Brat
  Originator: Enos Bradner
  Tag: Gold tinsel (optional)
  Tail: White bucktail over orange bucktail
  Rib: Gold oval tinsel
  Body: Rear half, orange wool yarn; front half, red wool yarn
  Hackle: Brown
  Wing: Orange bucktail over white bucktail
  Cheeks: Jungle cock



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