How to Tie the Fat Albert Fly: Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying

Jan 20

The Fat Albert is a fun and effective fly to tie, known for its durable foam body and vibrant color combinations and unsinkable floats. Perfect for intermediate fly tyers, this step-by-step guide will show you how to tie it with a smooth body and striking legs that are sure to catch fish. Watch as Smitty's Monthly Fly Box ties one up to perfection

Materials:

Hook: Size 8 (or preferred size)
Thread: UTC 140 or 210 flat waxed thread
Foam: 2mm brown and avocado green foam
Rubber legs: Avocado reptile rubber legs (two strands together)
Indicator yarn: Chartreuse near hair, poly yarn, or egg yarn
Whip finish tool
Scissors
Thread bobbin

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Secure the Thread Start by securing your flat thread (UTC 140 or 210) to the hook shank, covering the hook from the eye to just before the bend.

2. Attach the Brown Foam Cut a piece of 2mm brown foam, making it slightly wider than the hook gap. Create a point on the foam for easy tying. Position the foam at the bend of the hook, securing it with thread. Ensure there is no space between the foam and the hook for a smooth transition.

3. Attach the Green Foam Next, cut a piece of avocado green foam. It should be thinner than the brown foam. Tie this foam in after the brown foam, making sure the green foam overlaps the brown foam slightly, creating a clean underbody.

4. Build Segmentation To create a segmented body, pull the green foam upward and secure it with tight thread wraps. Make three even segments as you advance the foam up the hook shank. The foam should extend just beyond the midpoint of the hook.

5. Add the Legs For the legs, cut two strands of avocado reptile rubber legs and tie them in on each side of the foam body. Position them so they are just at the end of the brown foam. Tie securely and trim to desired leg length.

6. Add the Indicator Tie in a small clump of chartreuse near hair or poly yarn as an indicator. The size of the clump can be adjusted to suit your fishing conditions. Tie it down firmly, and trim it flush with the foam.

7. Fold Over the Foam Bring the brown foam over the top of the fly to form the body. Make sure it overlaps the green foam and secures it with tight thread wraps. Leave a bit of space before the eye of the hook for finishing.

8. Tie in the Front Legs For the front legs, take individual strands of rubber leg material and tie them in on either side of the foam body, positioning them just in front of the indicator foam. Secure them with firm thread wraps.

9. Whip Finish Once the legs are in place, trim them to match the back legs. Pick up the foam head slightly, pull it back, and use a whip finish tool to complete the knot. Trim the thread, and check the proportions of your fly to ensure a clean look.

Fly Tying