How to tie: a Hot Wire Prince

From: Skyler Hardman

In today’s tutorial, Skyler Hardman is tying a versatile fly that performs especially well in high, off-color spring waters and fast pocket water. The key to its success is the combination of a weighted body and a strong, attractor-style presentation. Follow along as Skyler walks you through the steps to tie this easy-to-fish pattern with some fun color variations.

Materials:

• Hook: Size 14-18 Nymph or Jig Hook

• Bead: Tungsten or Brass (appropriate size for hook)

• Lead Wire: Small to Medium Gauge

• Thread: 70 Denier (color to match preference)

• Tail: Goose Biots (2 colors)

• Body: Wire (silver and red preferred)

• Thorax: Peacock Herl (2 strands)

• Hackle: Brown Hen Neck Feather

• Super Glue (optional for added durability)

Steps:

1. Start the Thread:

   • Secure your hook in the vise. Begin your 70 Denier thread just behind the bead and wrap it down the hook shank to the bend, then back up to where you want the tail to sit.

2. Add the Tail:

   • Take two goose biots, align them, and tie them in so they form a V shape at the tail of the fly. Make sure they are even and secure them with tight wraps.

3. Add the Lead Wire:

   • Insert the lead wire into the bead to help center it and add weight. Secure the wire with thread wraps, ensuring the wire is tightly in place at the hook’s front.

4. Form the Body:

   • Secure two pieces of wire next to the hook. Take wraps of the wire, ensuring they are tight and even. Use tension to prevent gaps and stop often to smooth out the body with your thread. Wrap it forward to the thorax area, then tie off the wire.

5. Add the Thorax:

   • Prepare two strands of peacock herl. Tie them in and wrap them forward over the wire body to form the thorax. Make sure the wraps are even and tight, securing the herl at the bead.

6. Hackle:

   • Tie in a brown hen neck feather, dark side facing forward. Wrap the feather two or three times to form the hackle, and then tie it off tightly behind the bead.

7. Tie the Wing:

   • Position two more goose biots on top of the fly to form the wings, measuring them to match the body length. Secure them in place and fold them back over the body. Tie down the butts, and finish with a whip finish to lock everything in place.

Finish: Apply a small dab of super glue to strengthen the peacock herl and secure the fly. You’re all set—ready to fish this effective and dynamic pattern!