Anatomy of A Salmon Fly

Although each salmon fly pattern may call for its' own proportions and components, the following diagram and table identifies the standard anatomy and proportions used in salmon fly tying. Understanding proper proportions is essential to world-class salmon fly tying. (see also The Salmon Fly Proportion, Design & Layout Guide) SALMON FLY PROPORTION CHART Tag With the hook shank parallel to the tying surface, the tag starts at the barb point and proceeds to the hook point. The tag may consist of several materials such as tinsel and floss. Tail Length is 1-1/2 of the hook gape, Height is 1/2 to equal of the hook gape Tail Veiling Length is 1/2 of the tail Butt Typically 3-5 wraps of material: osterich, dubbing, etc. Body From the butt to 1 hook-eye length back from the head Ribbing Generally, palmered tinsel or floss; 5 wraps from butt to head Body Hackle A feather folded over and palmered behind the body ribbing Main Wing Length is from the head to where the topping & roof meet the tail, not to exceed out of the borders of the two Roof Length is from the head to the tailing, height is approx. equal to 1/2 to 3/4 hook gape Topping Length is from the head to the tip of the tailing, height is approx. equal to one hook gape. Shoulder(s) Length is approx 2/3 of main wing, or to the butt Cheek(s) Length is generally 1/2 of shoulder Horns Length equal to intersection of topping and tailing Throat Length is just a smidgen longer than the body palmered hackle extending to 1/2 the distance from the hook eye and hook point Throat Veiling Length is max to the length of the throat, sparsely tied Head Evenly tapered and not grossly large. The smaller the better. Finish with gloss coat on thread-based heads.

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This other story related to "salmon flies" might also interest you: The Salmon Fly Proportion, Design & Layout Guide Size matters: The first rule of salmonfly tying is preparation...gathering your materials, laying them out and sizing up the situation. If you are like me, many times you will have one material that is just a touch too short and you scramble to make it fit. But in the long run, it will never fit and the fly that you meticulously hovered over for many precious hours has that major flaw. More importantly, you'll never be happy with the finished product. If only you had pre-planned and sized up your materials ahead of time. Go to the story Click to see other stories with the keyword "salmon flies"

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