How to tie: a Foam Beetle

With : Trident Fly Fishing

This easy-to-tie foam beetle pattern is a great addition to your fly box, perfect for trout fishing, especially in late summer.

Materials List:

• Hook: Daiichi 1170, size 12

• Thread: Uni 8/0, black

• Body: 2mm foam, black (cut with foam beetle cutter)

• Body: Peacock herl

• Legs: Life Flex rubber legs (silicone legs)

• Hotspot: 2mm foam, bright color (orange or chartreuse)

Steps:

1. Start the Thread:

   • Use a Daiichi 1170 hook, size 12, and black Uni 8/0 thread.

   • Begin by creating a solid thread base on the hook shank. This will provide grip for the foam and prevent slipping.

2. Cut and Attach the Foam:

   • Cut a piece of 2mm foam using a foam beetle cutter, size 12.

   • Position the narrow end of the foam on the hook and tie it down, ensuring it’s centered on the hook shank.

   • Secure the foam all the way back to the hook bend and compress it to create a clean underbody.

3. Tie in the Body:

   • Prepare 8–10 strands of peacock herl for the body.

   • Tie them in at the base of the foam, ensuring the tips are even.

   • Wrap the peacock herl forward in tight, smooth wraps, using your thread to maintain tension. Secure the herl with your thread just behind the hook eye.

4. Pull Foam Over the Body:

   • Pull the foam over the top of the peacock herl body and secure it right behind the hook eye with tight wraps. This forms the beetle's body.

5. Add Rubber Legs:

   • Tie in Life Flex rubber legs (or any silicone legs) on each side of the foam body. Adjust their position so they sit high on the foam and do not sag.

   • Trim the excess length of the legs, leaving the front legs slightly shorter and the back legs about the length of the hook shank.

6. Add a Hotspot (Optional):

   • Cut a thin strip (1–2mm) of 2mm foam in a bright color like orange or chartreuse.

   • Tie the strip in on top of the foam as a visibility hotspot, ideal for spotting the fly in the water.

7. Finish the Fly:

   • Whip finish the fly in front of the hotspot.

   • Trim the foam into a rounded shape if desired for aesthetics, though this is optional.

   • Finally, trim the legs to the desired length: front legs slightly longer than the head, back legs the length of the hook.