Tying a Salmonfly Foamster Fly Fishing Fly

The Salmonfly hatch is a bucket list hatch for many. Casting a size 8 dry fly to eager fish will do that. Typically, however, this hatch coincides with spring runoff.   As a result, timing this hatch can be difficult. But, when it all comes together, all you need is a big, fat dry fly. While adding a dropper like a Pat’s can be productive, a single dry will often keep any angler satisfied.

There are two characteristics that we think are important to imitate. The first is the antenna situation. These flies have pre-historic, creepily huge antennae. Second, these big flies often have trouble winging into flight. As such, they struggle on the water surface and often look as though they are going to sink. So, a fly that sits low in the water with some chaos (legs and antennae everywhere) are the characteristics we think are important.

The new foam bodies from SemperFli help simplify the creation of a foam body that will sit low in the water. Rubberlegs make create antennae. Finally, we add hackle because it feels good to add hackle to a dry fly…skip it if you want.

• Hook: Firehole Sticks 718, size 10 or larger. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-FIRE718.html
• Thread: UTC 70, Fire Orange. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-UTC70D.html
• Tail: Raven and Wolf Insect Legs, Standard, Black. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-RWILSTD.html
• Body: SemperFli Foam Mayfly Bodies 15mm, Brown. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SFFMAY15.html
• Rubberlegs: SemperFli Sili Legs, Bone. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SSILI.html
• Wing: Mixed Baitfish fibers, colors of choice. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-RWEPF.html
• Thorax: Raven and Wolf Cubb Dub, Hot Orange. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-RWCD.html (mix with Rust for a mottled look)
• Hackle: Brown Hackle.