I developed this very simple attractor steelhead pattern based on a collection of idea from common and productive existing patterns. This pattern shines during early season conditions when steelhead are commonly found in "the heat," heavy deep-flowing water. The bead head and sparse synthetic body lend well to getting deep fast, yes the color, sparkle and action will get the fly noticed. Often, that is all that is required with fall steelhead!

This is a fast tie, using cheap materials. Use your imagination as to color schemes and give a few a try!

MATERIALS

Hook: Curved Scud

Bead: Copper (Brass or Tungsten)

Thread: Fire Orange 6/0

Tail: Fire Orange Marabou

Abdomen: Orange Braid

Thorax: Orange Estaz

Place an appropriately sized bead on the hook. Debarb the hook and start your thread. Lay a thread base to the rear.

Select a marabou blood quill with fine even tips.

Pull the quill through your fingers to even and collect the tips.

Measure the tips to be equal to the length of the hook.

Switch your grip to the opposite hand and place the measured point directly above the thread.

Secure with a pinch-wrap.

And another.

The marabou is locked to the top of the shank.

Clip the excess just behind the bead.

Secure to the hook with thread.

Secure a length of braid just behind the bead and bind with thread rearward to the tail.

Advance the thread back to the bead and then wrap the braid tightly forward. The final wrap goes under and in front of the thread as shown.

Then pull up and to the rear.

One turn of thread secures the braid and the excess can be clipped away.

Remove the end fibers from the core strands of a length of Estaz.

Secure the Estaz by the core to the "thorax" portion of the fly.

Make two wraps of Estaz, brushing the fibers to the rear between wraps.

Secure behind the bead with a few tight wraps of thread.

Whip finish and clip the thread.

A completed Steel Head!