How to Tie the Improved Sparkle Dun | Fly Tying Tutorial

From: Umpqua Feather Merchants

Today we learn to tie the Improved Sparkle Dun a versatile dry fly designed for better visibility and floatation, making it ideal for rougher waters. Sit back as Craig Mathews from Umpqua show us how its done!!

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Start with the Foundation
   Attach 8/0 tying thread to the hook shank and build a solid thread base. This prevents the wing from spinning on the hook.

2. Prepare the Deer Hair Wing
   Select coarse, hollow deer hair suitable for wings. Avoid counting individual fibers; rely on feel. Tie in the deer hair with two loose wraps, then pull tight to secure. If the wing doesn’t spring to life, you may need better-quality deer hair.

3. Add the Z-Lon Backing
   Tie a piece of Z-Lon behind the deer hair wing to improve visibility and floatation. Extend the Z-Lon shuck back to the bend of the hook and trim it to about half to two-thirds of the body length.

4. Stand the Wing Up
   Divide the deer hair wing into thirds:

   • Pull one-third back and wrap thread in front to secure.

   • Repeat with the second and third portions.

   • Wrap in front of the entire wing to create a thread dam, ensuring it stays upright.

5. Dub the Body
   Use superfine dubbing in olive or olive-gray to form a thin, proportioned body. Start slightly ahead of the shuck, filling in the tail with X-wraps. Dub forward to the wing, leaving space behind it, then continue in front of the wing for durability.

6. Finish the Fly
   Trim any stray deer hair fibers if needed. Whip finish, cut the thread, and ensure the wing stands upright with the Z-Lon backing visible.

Materials List:

• Hook: Standard dry fly hook

• Thread: 8/0 tying thread

• Wing: Coarse, hollow deer hair

• Backing: Z-Lon (color to match hatch)

• Body: Superfine dubbing (olive or olive-gray)