How to Tie the White Death Steelhead Fly: A Simple and Effective Zonker Pattern

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The White Death is a proven, easy-to-tie zonker pattern designed for steelhead and trout. Here’s how to tie this great lake steelhead fly, perfect for anglers looking for a simple yet effective fly for their next fishing adventure.

Materials:

• Mustad 9672 Hook (Size 10)

• UTC 140 Denier Thread (Red and Black)

• Flat Silver Sparkle Braid (A2 Card Width)

• White Rabbit Zonker Strip

• UV Resin (Solar's Bone Dry)

• Whip Finish Tools (Large and Small)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Hook:

   • Secure the Mustad 9672 hook (size 10) in your tying vise.

2. Thread Setup:

   • Load two bobbins—one with red UTC 140 denier thread and the other with black.

3. Start with Red Thread:

   • Begin by securing the red thread behind the eye of the hook. Take a few wraps rearward, then trim the excess tag.

4. Secure the Sparkle Braid:

   • Attach the flat silver sparkle braid to the top of the hook shank, wrapping it back to the bend. Use the red thread to bind it down.

5. Switch to Black Thread:

   • Switch to the black thread and take a few wraps to cover the end of the braid, trimming the tag end.

6. Wrap the Braid:

   • Begin overlapping wraps of the silver braid up the hook shank. Secure the braid with a few wraps of the black thread, then trim any excess.

7. Add the Zonker Strip:

   • Trim the corners of a white rabbit zonker strip, then strip away about 1/8 inch of fur. Strengthen your thread by giving it a clockwise spin. Bind the stripped end of the zonker strip onto the top of the hook, with the tip resting at the back edge of the hook.

8. Whip Finish the Head:

   • Use a small whip finish tool to create a 5-6 turn whip finish at the head of the fly. Cut the thread free and apply UV resin to the head for durability.

9. Bind the Zonker to the Shank:

   • Retrieve the red thread and cord it up with a clockwise spin. Secure the zonker strip to the top of the hook shank and create a smooth transition between the tail and body.

10. Whip Finish the Tail:

    • Use a large whip finish tool to make a 5-6 turn whip finish at the tail section without tangling in the fur. Apply a coat of UV resin for added durability.

11. Trim and Shape the Tail:

    • Preen the fur forward and trim the tail to about a hook gap in length. The preened fur will make the tail appear longer when pushed back into place.

12. Final Touches:

    • Apply UV resin to the tail section for extra security. Cure with UV light, and your fly is ready to go.