How to tie: a Flying Fruitcake (Christmas Contest)

From : Savage Flies

Matt takes us through his 2021 Christmas fly pattern, a festive bucktail streamer that’s fishable and simple, with vibrant Christmas-themed colors. The design emphasizes functionality while adding a holiday flair without going overboard into novelty territory. Let’s break it down:

1. Materials and Hook Setup

• Hook: Size 8, 3x long streamer hook, with the barb pinched.

• Thread: Red 70 denier for a festive touch.

• Tail: Red duck slips, matched for symmetry and tied in with a long, noticeable profile.

2. Body Construction

• Ribbing: Silver mylar medium tinsel for a classic, shimmering accent.

• Body: White, four-strand Danville rayon floss to create a smooth and bright appearance. Using multiple strands reduced wrapping time while maintaining coverage.

3. Bucktail Wing Layers

• Base Layer: White bucktail, extending past the tail for balance.

• Top Layer: Green bucktail, slightly longer than the white layer to add depth and contrast. A wrap under the green layer helps elevate and prevent it from laying too flat.

4. Topping Decision

Matt experimented with various wing toppings:

• Options Considered: Feather wings (modeled turkey, yellow slips, or a mix of both) and peacock herl.

• Final Choice: A simple topping of modeled turkey slips, keeping the design elegant without overcrowding the pattern.