Fly of the Month - March 2010

Quin's Sowbug

Hook: Tiemco 3761 - sizes 14-18
Weight: lead wire (.025 for #14 hook)
Thread:  grey and .004 monofilament fishing line
Dubbing: Wapsi Sowbug #260
Back: Peacock herl
Shell: Thin Skin
Beadhead: Silver, 7/64 or 1/8 for #14 hook

Place wire (.025" for #14) along each side of hook shank and attach to hook with grey thread and then superglue. These can be done in a batch so the superglue has time to dry.
Attach monofilament.
For the shell I use clear Thin Skin cut to the width of the fly, about 3/16ths for # 14. Attach Thin Skin by tying down the shank of hook. Cut the Thin Skin to a point to attach.
Tie on two or three peacock herls. I tie these down the shank to avoid humps on the finished fly.
Dub with Wapsi Sowbug #260. You can certainly use variations but this color works most of the time. Rough dub to about one eye length behind hook eye.
Bring herls forward. Tie down with two turns then go back to rear of hook, over the top of herls, usually three turns.
Bring thin skin forward, wrap with mono in five turns, creating segments. Tie off and glue knot. Brush out dubbing for legs. 

I fish this fly in shallow water less than two feet with no added weight and a small indicator. Deeper or fast water will require weight of your choice.

The Beadhead version is tied the same except I use a 2x long hook.
For a size 14 I'll use a 7/64th bead for normal flows and 1/8th for deeper or faster water.
Place bead on hook. Wrap eight turns of .025" wire, pushing wire under bead.
Attach mono behind wire. Tie on Thin Skin and herls behind the wire. This will give you a smooth transition for the body of fly.
Dub fly. Bring herls forward then wrap mono to rear. Bring thin skin forward and wrap to head to tie off. Brush out dubbing.
This fly can be fished in three feet of water with no added weight.

Fly designed and tied by Quin Berry

Click for Printable Recipe