The Simplicity of Tenkara

Recently I  plunged into the world of Pinterest. What a mistake! Talk about a time waster. With that said what a valuable site with a wealth of information. I had no clue and feel a little foolish for waiting so long. After looking around Pinterest I started a bunch of boards dedicated to collecting different fly patterns for me to go back to and tie or just store the flies patterns. While looking at different flies I kept coming across Tenkara patterns. While I knew of Tenkara fishing I had never really looked at the patterns people were using and tying. So I though I would get back to the bench and tie up a few to try on a few small creeks I know of.

Once I started really looking at the Tenkara flies it amazed me how simple they are to tie. Most patterns call for just three materials. Basically all a Tenkara fly is a hook with a thread body and hackle that is swept forward over the hook eye.  Sometimes simpler is better and on small creeks that do not get a lot of fishing pressure I can see these working real well. Here is what I came up with.

Tenkara Olive

Tenkara Olive

Hook - Mustad 94840 #16

Thread - Uni 8/0 Olive

Hackle - Metz Dun

Step One

Start Thread at Hook Eye and Wrap Back Two Eye Lengths

Step Two

Tie In Hackle Feather

Step Three

Make Five Wraps of Hackle

Step Four

Push Hackle Towards Hook Eye and Wrap Thread to Form Cone of Hackle

Step Five

Form a Tapered Body with Thread

Step Six

Whip Finish Behind Hackle

Now take your new Tenkara flies out and catch yourself a nice brookie for breakfast.