Do I Smell Sulphur? OK Don't Panic!

One thing I realized when I was up fishing during the opener is that my eyesight sure isn't what it used to be. There were times it was really hard to follow the fly on the water. It is only going to get harder to follow them as the spring turns into summer and the flies get smaller and smaller. I cannot imagine trying to follow a #22 BWO! Looks like I will be tying a lot more parachutes with bright posts for smaller flies. I have always tied my BWO parachutes with a BRIGHT orange post for this very reason. Before it was for convenience, now it is truly necessary. With the sulphur hatch coming up, I figured I better get busy.

Earlier today I was flipping through the channels and PBS had on one of my favorite shows, Austin City Limits. I don't know how many bands I have discovered while watching that show. Several years ago I had the pleasure of catching a show featuring Wide Spread Panic. They quickly became one of my favorites. John Bell has a very unique voice which matches perfectly with Mike Houser's guitar playing. Well why not throw one of their CDs into the stereo? What the heck, why not their Live From the Backyard Austin TX?

Now to get to the tying. I used a white Z-Lon post for this fly. The Z-Lon really catches the light and makes it easy to see the fly on the water. Just what my old eyes need! I also used Coq de Leon for the tail. The stiffness of the fibers makes excellent tailing material. I also love the mottled look.

Quill Body Sulphur Parachute

Quill Body Sulphur Parachute

Hook: Mustad 94840 #16-#18

Thread: Uni 8/0 Light Cahill

Tail: Coq De Leon

Wing Post: White Z-Lon

Body: McLean's Quill Body Material Sulphur

Hackle: Dun tied Parachute Style

Thorax: Sulphur Dubbing

Step One

Start the Thread

Step Two

Tie in Tail

Step Three

Tie in Z-Lon Wing Post

Step Four

Wind Thread Back to the Tail and Tie In Quill 

Step Five

Wrap Quill Forward Until Just In Front of the Post

Step Six

Tie in Hackle Feather at Wing Post

Step Seven

Dub Thorax

Step Eight

Wrap Hackle, Whip Finish and Trim Wing

Let's see who is really paying attention or actually reading this blog. The first person FOLLOWING this blog that posts a comment telling me the step I inadvertently skipped will receive six Elk Hair Caddis flies. Comments are moderated. If you do not see your comment be assured I did receive it and I will post it once I receive the notification.