How to Tie a Compare Dun Dry Fly
The Compare Dun is a low-floating, easy-to-tie dry fly that's perfect for imitating various mayflies, including the Calibaetis. With a simple body and a deer hair wing, it’s great for anglers looking for a quick pattern to add to their fly box. Here's how to tie it!
Materials List:
Hook: Size 16 Kymco 100 SP
Thread: 50-denier GSP (brown or white)
Tail: Tan Microfibits (4 strands)
Dubbing: Superfine Calibaetis-colored dubbing
Wing: Fine deer hair (Nature Spirit preferred)
Whip Finish Tool
Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
Start the Thread
Begin by tying in your 50-denier thread about 80% down the hook shank, leaving a small tag end. Wrap over the tag end to secure it and then move your thread back to the bend of the hook.
Attach the Tail
Select four strands of tan microfibits for the tail. Separate two strands on each side, align the tips, and measure the length to about one shank length. Tie them in at the hook's bend with a couple of wraps, ensuring the fibers sit on top of the hook.
Spread the Tail Fibers
Use your thumb and index finger to manipulate the tail fibers, dividing them into two separate clumps. Slide the tag end of the thread between them and pull it tight to get the tail fibers to spread apart. Tie the tag end down and trim it out.
Create the Abdomen
Dub a thin layer of Calibaetis-colored superfine dubbing onto your thread, starting just behind the tail. Work the dubbing forward to create a tapered body, leaving the last 1/8 inch of the hook shank bare.
Tie in the Wing
Select a bunch of fine deer hair, clean out the underfur, and stack it. Measure the hair against the hook, aiming for a length of one shank length. Trim the hair tips straight and tie them in just in front of the body. Secure the wing with a couple of wraps, letting the tips flare out.
Position the Wing
Sweep the wing back and use your thread to create a dam in front of the wing to hold it upright. Dub a bit more superfine dubbing around the base of the wing to help position it.
Finish the Fly
Whip finish your thread at the hook eye, trim the thread, and adjust the wing. Trim any stray hair tips and shape the wing slightly upright rather than perfectly horizontal. If needed, trim the bottom fibers to even them out.
