Green Butt Skunk Spey

grnbttsknk0.jpg-a steelhead dee fly 34Kb

This is a variation on the old Pacific North West steelhead standard. It uses soft materials that give more action & mobility in the water than the chenille & bucktail used in the original. I like to tie it on fairly large hooks. The fly in the picture is on an Alec Jackson #1 1/2. The nickel plating prevents the floss butt from turning "muddy" in the water.

Hook=Any salmon/steelhead model	Partridge "N" series have a 2x long shank, similar to the old Spey/Dee style.
Thread=Black	6/0-12/0
Butt=Flourescent Lime floss	Underwrap with silver tinsel, or use plated hook.
Tail=G. P. crest dyed bright red	1-1½ hook gaps long
Body=Black dyed seal or substitute	Loop dub loosely
Ribs=Flat silver tinsel & fine oval silver (wire)	5 turns only.Oval is counter-wrapped to re-enforce hackle. "Pick" hackle clear as wire is wrapped.
Hackle=Schlappen or imitation heron ie:maribou or pheasant rump, dyed black	From 2nd turn of flat tinsel, & following back edge of tinsel. Right handed tyers will strip left side of feather, & tie in by tip.
Throat=Mallard flank dyed chartreuse	Tie in by tip, "fold" or "double", & wrap 2 turns. Tie off under shank to avoid a lump at the wing position.
Wing=Narrow strips of white goose or turkey	Set low & tented. Reversing the thread helps prevent crushing the far side wing. Practice will allow setting both at once.