I recently highlighted preparing a furled extended body (via Fly Fisher Republic ). The same process of twisting a strand or strands of wool or fibers of Antron/Zelon will result in a tightly twisted rope of yarn that is then wrapped up the shank to form a segmented body. This is a similar process used in tying a chironomid pattern that was popular 10-15 years ago..the Serendipity. The body of that fly was a twisted yarn body (can’t recall if wool or Antron/Zelon). It was finished off with a deer or elk hair wing cut short.
So, I took that same twisted yarn body made from Zelon and wrapped it up the shank to form a nice segmented body. I then dubbed a thorax from Hare’s Mask with guard hairs. The ubiquitous bead nicely finishes the pupa pattern. I have not used the twisted body in years having resorted to assorted body materials and ribbing to impart segmentation and flash. This looks pretty good. The catch here is to twist the yarn but not so hard that it kinks prior to wrapping.
Gary,
I just finished a May Fly attractor that uses twisted Zelon for the abdomen with a strand of chartreuse midge flash and Midge Rainbow Flash ( Cascade Crest Tools) tied ii :
http://planettrout.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/serender-_1_.jpg
I have used this twisted Zelon with flash on some Guide Serendipities and it slams ‘em…
PT/TB
So you blend the fibers then twist and wrap. You have mentioned the dark wing case before vs. the flashback wing case. what are your thoughts on that (the often mentioned gas bubble vs. the darker wing case) when should one be used or the other? appreciate any advice.
This is a really attractive pattern. I have tried it but can’t get that exact look. I have added a strand of flash when twisting but don’t like that either.
Oh, I like that idea of strand of flash. My problem is when I find something simple and productive, I start to add stuff and on it goes…just the creative imagination can’t leave well enough alone.