Messy Pike Fly

Tying instructions

1. Tie in the thread midshank


2. Tie in a bunch of bucktail. The length should be about 2½-3 times hook length


3. Lay a bunch of flash over the bucktail - slightly longer than the bucktail


4. Tie in a second bunch of bucktail


5. Stack a large bunch of deer hair


6. Tie it in to twist and form a large collar in front of the wing


7. Stack further bunches of deer hair to form a head


8. Whip finish and varnish in front of the head


9. Trim the deer hair. It should look a little messy when you're done

Choose the colors as you please. Colorful flies look good, but white is probably the most efficient color for pike flies.