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DRY FLIES

SPINNER

Technically the term 'spinner' refers to that stage in a Dun's life cycle when it has moved off the water or, vegetation etc. after drying its wings. The adult or imago of all Mayflies, Caddis flies and Midges can technically be regarded as spinners.

Having said that the term is generally used only in the context of referring to a small number of Mayflies including Black Spinners and Red Spinners when they are both on the water and in the air. The following Spinner is a generic representation for members of the “Leptophlebiidae” family of Mayflies and the various Highland Duns & Spinners, which are members of the “Oniscigastridae” family. Hatches generally occurs between the months of October and March.
  
If you have a look at Lepto' Duns and Highland Duns there are fundamentals of shape and form that are common and are captured by this pattern. Lepto' Duns and Highland Duns present in a range of colours including olive through to brown, charcoal and greys and shades of ginger, red and burgundy. I carry Black and Red Spinners in size #12.




MATERIALS FOR BLACK SPINNER:

 Hook  - Size 10-16 dry fly hook
Silk  - Black floss and black silk
Tail  - Long black hackle fibres
Body  - Black floss
Ribbing - Contrasting thread
Hackle - Black


A)

Start off with black floss and wind it in touching turns to the bend of the hook.

B)


    1)     Tie in a tail of long hackle fibres so that it finishes at least as long as the hook shank.




    2)     Tie in a length of contrasting thread at the bend of the hook.
 
    4)     Wind the floss forward to form a slender cigar shaped body 3/4 of the distance along the hook shank..

    5)     Tie the floss off with back thread.

C)
  1. Wind the ribbing material forward forming between 5 and 6 segments along the body. Trim off and trim the excess ribbing material.
  2. Return the thread to the 2/3 position.
    3.




D)
  1. Tie a hackle at the 2/3 position.
  2. Take the thread forward along the hook shank to the 95% position.
    3.


E)
  1. Wind the hackle forward to the thread, tie it off and trim the butt end.
  2. Build up a neat head.
  3. Whip finish and varnish the head.
    4.

 
Copyright © 2005 Stephen Chatterton / Fish on Fly P/L - All rights reserved.
Last modified:11-Jun-2008.

 
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