View Original Forum Topic


Current Tags for This Pattern
/ beetle / Black / bluegill / Brown / Foam / panfish / peacock herl / step by step / terrestrial /

Foam Beetle

 
tied by Shoe
Fly Type: Terrestrials & Midges,
Imitation: Ants/Beetles,
Material List:
Hook: 9671 Mustad size 10
Thread: 6/0 black
Body: 5 strands of Peacock Herl
Hackle: Black
Underwing: Brown Raffia
Carapace: Black foam
Hi-Vis post: Orange Foam (Optional)
Dropper loop: Mono (Optional)

Tying Instructions: Step 1:
Pre-cut foam and slit 2/3rd toward the rear of the carapace, but not all the way through the material. Take a short section of the Raffia and round the end and fold to about 1/4" width.

Step 2:
Create a solid thread base and add the dropper loop to extend somewhat passed the hook shank. Some recipes call for using Zap-a-Gap, but I prefer knotting it and covering the knot wind thread winds. This beetle is quite heavy and the bulk won't effect the proportion.

Step 3:
Add the herl, twist it and palmer toward the eye.

Step 4:
Bring the thread about 1/2 toward the rear of the fly and attach the hackle for the legs. Trim the top and sides of the hackle

Step 5:
Attach the folded Raffia on the top.

Step 6:
Take the precut Carapace and attach it facing forward with the slit on the underside and secure.

Step 7:
Bring the thread about 1/3 to the rear of the bug, fold the foam back and wrap it down. (not too tight or it will add too much taper).

Step 8: (optional)
Take a short piece of contrasting foam for visibility and tie it.
Whip finish