How to Tie Prop Flies

Prop flies use a rotating metal blade to attract fish. The flies are constructed with traditional fur and feather materials with the exception of the blade. Tying the fur and feather portion of the flies requires intermediate fly tying skills but installing the prop is easy. Prop flies are effective for catching most species pursued by fly fisherman. Most prop flies are tied for trout and panfish but the flies work equally well for bass and carp.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • 2XL streamer hook #4-8
  • 3/0 black thread
  • Prop
  • Bead
  • Instant glue
  • Marabou
  • Chenille
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the center ring of the prop blade over the hook point and down the shank. Stop when the blade is pressed against the hook eye. Slide a bead over the hook point and stop when it is against the prop.

    • 2

      Begin wrapping the thread ahead of the bead. Wrap the thread until a thick ball is present in front of the bead. Wrap the thread to the hook bend.

    • 3

      Place a small drop of instant glue on the thick section of thread. Push the bead against the thread and glue. Hold the bead until the glue dries. Flick the prop with your finger to ensure the glue did not spill over. The prop must spin freely.

    • 4

      Cut a small clump of marabou and hold it on the hook bend to form a tail. Make 10 thread wraps to secure the tail.

    • 5

      Cut a 1-foot section of chenille and hold one end on the hook bend. Make 10 thread wraps to hold the chenille. Wrap the thread down the shank and stop at the bead.

    • 6

      Wrap the chenille around the hook until you reach the bead. Make 10 thread wraps to secure the chenille and cut the remainder off the hook.

    • 7

      Apply another drop of instant glue in front of the bead. Allow the glue to seep inside of the bead gap and dry. Cut the thread from the hook.