Tying the Improved Madam X Foam Salmonfly Fishing Fly

The Madam X has been around for a long time. The challenge with this fly is that it can take constant effort to keep it afloat. To solve this, the Parachute Madam X (PMX) adds some hackle along the body and adds a parachute. This is one path of fly design…tweak and existing pattern to solve a specific problem or adapt it to a specific region. This is evolutionary and this is how a lot of fly design happens. Another solution to floatability is to use high float materials like foam. Below is an attempt to use foam to increase floatability on a Madam X style fly.

• Hook: Nymph hook, at least 2x long. Kona Nymph Streamer 2XL Hook, sizes 6-10. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Thread: UTC 140, Fl Orange. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Tail: Cascade Crest Elk Hair, Elk mane. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Body: Strip of 2mm foam, Black. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Rib: SEMPERFLI Fluoro Brite (3/0), Fluoro Orange.
• Underwing: PH Diamond Wing Fibre, Pearl. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Wing: 2mm foam, Black, cut into a wing shape. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Legs: Black Rubber Legs
• Hi-viz Indicator: Winter Deer Hair, Orange. https://www.discountflies.com/...