How to Tie Flat Wing Flies

Flat wing flies are tied to replicate the motions of baitfish. The flies are typical baitfish patterns with sparsely tied, thin profile bodies. The flies also use flash to replicate the lateral lines of a natural baitfish. The flat wing sits on top of the fly and creates a winding, wobbling motion when the fly is retrieved. The wing is created from different materials, depending on the fly tyer's preference, but hackle and peacock herl are common choices.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • 3XL streamer hook
  • Saddle hackle feathers
  • Dubbing wax
  • Antron dubbing
  • Marabou
  • Flashabou
  • Head cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clamp the hook in the jaws of the vise. Start the thread at the one-half point and wrap it to the bend in the hook.

    • 2

      Select a wide saddle hackle feather and measure it to twice the length of the hook shank. Hold the feather on the top of the hook to create a long tail. Hold the feather in a flat position and make six tight thread wraps to hold it in place.

    • 3

      Apply a dab of dubbing wax to the thread and place a moderate amount of antron dubbing on the thread. Twist the dubbing with your fingers to spin it in a tight pattern on the thread. Wrap the dubbing three-quarters of the way down the hook shank.

    • 4

      Cut a clump of marabou from a feather and hold it on the top of the hook. Apply top to bottom pressure with your finger to spread the marabou around the hook shank. Make six tight thread wraps to secure the marabou in place.

    • 5

      Cut five pieces of flashabou and measure them with the ends extending slightly longer than the tip of the tail. Make six thread wraps to secure the flashabou to the top of the hook. The flash represents the lateral lines of a baitfish.

    • 6

      Select a wide saddle hackle feather and place it on the top of the hook. Adjust the length of the feather so the tip is aligned with the tip of the tail and the base is at the eye of the hook. Make six tight thread wraps to secure the feather to the hook.

    • 7

      Use a whip finishing tool to half hitch the thread and form a small thread head. Cut the thread spool away from the hook and add a small drop of head cement to the thread head.