Fly of the Month - January 2010

Tony's Stillborn

I started tying this fly twelve years ago; I use to call this fly Stillborn. In a recent article I noticed there is another fly called Stillborn so I added Tony's to the Stillborn name, thus Tony's Stillborn.

The Stillborn represents an emerger that has drowned in the film surface. The fibers at the tail represent the trailing shuck; silver wire in the body gives it some flash. The short wings are the wings coming out of the thorax that are not fully developed. I used peacock herl for the thorax because I like it and it represents a fuzzy thorax.

This fly has caught a lot of trout and warm water fish. I caught one of my biggest Rainbows on it.

They can be tied in Brown, Yellow or Chartreuse. I prefer Light Olive like this one is tied.

Materials: Tony's Stillborn
Hook: Scud hook sz 10 to 20. Sz 14 is my favorite size.
Thread: Color as needed, I use 10/0 Gudebrod.

Rib: Fine silver wire.

Trailing shuck: Antron Yarn color as desired.

Body: Antron Yarn, same as Trailing Shuck.

Thorax: Peacock Herl.

Wings: Small feathers from the neck of a Grizzly Rooster.

Tony Spezio

Detailed Tying Instructions

Click for Printable Recipe