How to tie: a BWO Soft Hackle

Fly Tying

Dec 30

Today, Moonlit Fly Fishing is showing you how to tie a Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Soft Hackle, a versatile and effective pattern for spring and anytime BWOs are hatching. Using the unique dun-colored fibers of California Valley Quail (or Gambel Quail as a substitute), this fly comes alive with both subtlety and charm.

Materials:

Hook: Moonlit TOATA ML12 (Size 16 or 18, optionally Size 14 or 20)
Thread: 12/0 Olive Dun Classic Wax by Semperfli
Tail: California Valley Quail fibers (dun color)
Body: Thread with tapering technique (enhanced with gray marker ribbing)
Dubbing: Dark Olive Club Dub Seal Subs from Snake River Fly
Hackle: California Valley Quail soft hackle (prepped feather)
Head Cement: Loon

Steps:

Start the Thread:
- Secure the hook in the vise. Start your 12/0 olive dun thread at the 3/4 mark and wrap it back to the hook bend.
Prepare the Tail:
- Select a small clump of dun-colored quail fibers. Measure them slightly shorter than the hook shank and tie them in at the bend. Trim any excess.
Build the Tapered Body:
- Wrap the thread forward and back several times to create a natural taper. Use a gray marker to mark the thread, adding subtle ribbing by wrapping back toward the tail.
Add the Thorax:
- Apply a small amount of dark olive dubbing to the thread. Wrap it around the thorax area, creating a slight bulge to help flare the hackle fibers.
Secure the Hackle:
- Prep a soft hackle feather from the quail. Tie it in by the tip, with two wraps over and two in front to secure. Trim the excess.
Wrap the Hackle:
- Use hackle pliers to carefully wrap the soft hackle around the thorax. Avoid pulling too tightly to prevent breaking. Tie off and trim the stem.
Finish the Fly:
- Pull back the hackle fibers and build a clean thread head. Whip finish with 3–4 wraps and trim the thread.
Apply Head Cement:
- Dab a small amount of head cement on the thread wraps to secure them.