Crease Fly Tying Instructions

The crease fly is a category of flies, not a specific pattern. It gets its name from the process of folding or creasing the material that forms the major body component. It can be tied to imitate a specific bait fish favored by particular game fish or it can be tied to look like a general, all-purpose forage fish. The crease fly started as a saltwater pattern requiring a saltwater hook such as those made by Tiemco or Gamakatsu.

  1. Prepare the Tailing Materials

    • Crease flies rely on a tail that gives the impression of volume without adding weight. Many types of materials have this characteristic including Polar Fiber, Craft Fur, Enrico Puglisi Sparkle, Skok's Mega Mushy, KinkyFiber or FlashFiber. Most natural bait fish tails show a darker color above a lighter color, so the crease fly's tail should have this color combination. The tail should be three to four times the length of the hook shank and is tied in before the body is added. A few strands of Flashabou on each side of the tail make it complete.

    Prepare the Body

    • The essence of the crease fly is the body. Preparing the body is simple; just stick the Mylar film to the adhesive side of the foam. Mylar gives the crease fly's body the desired color. It comes in many colors, so you can select one that matches the basic color of the natural bait fish you're imitating. After tracing and cutting the desired body shape from the foam/Mylar sheet, it's ready for mounting.

    Mounting the Body

    • Fold the Mylar/foam body in half. The crease forms the top or dorsal side of the body. Align the bottom edges of the folded foam with the hook shank and use the CA (CyanoAcrylate ) glue to stick both edges of the foam to the hook shank along its entire length. Hold the edges against the hook until the glue dries.

    Finish the Fly

    • Place Mylar adhesive eyes on each side of the body and cover them with a thin coat of CA glue.