How to Make a Strike Indicator From Fly Line Backing

Strike indicators are often used by fly anglers when fishing underwater lures such as nymphs. A strike indicator can help detect a strike by game fish like trout that might otherwise not be noticed. Strike indicators are commercially available and made in a variety of bright colors, including orange, yellow, white, pink and red. Making strike indicators at home can be done using common items, including fly line backing.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber O ring, 5/16
  • Worm body yarn, 10 inches
  • Scissors
  • Forceps
  • Fly-line backing
  • Head cement or clear nail polish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide a 5/16 inch rubber O ring onto the closed jaws of a pair of surgical forceps.

    • 2

      Cut a 10-inch-long length of worm-body yard with a pair of sharp scissors. Choose the color of the yarn based on personal preference or anticipated fishing conditions.

    • 3

      Fold the worm-body yarn in half. Open the jaws of the forceps slightly and place 1/2 inch of the folded end of the yarn in the jaws of the forceps. Close the jaws against the yarn.

    • 4

      Slide the O ring down the forceps jaws and around the yarn. Open the forceps jaws and remove the yarn. Slide the O ring down the doubled yarn so that the yarn is even on both sides.

    • 5

      Hold the O ring and gather the yarn tightly together. Wrap fly line back around the yarn tightly against the O ring to hold it in place Make six to eight turns of the backing around the gathered yarn.

    • 6

      Tie the backing off with a double overhand knot, and trim excess backing with scissors.

    • 7

      Trim the gathered yarn to a length of between 1/2 inch to 2 inches, depending on personal preference, fishing conditions and the type of fishing to be done. Cut the yarn neatly with sharp scissors.

    • 8

      Coat the fly-line backing wrapped around the yarn with head cement or clear nail polish for protection and to prevent unwrapping during casting.