Purple Smut (Lowlander style)

[Hans Weilenmann]

Tom (Isaak) and I discussed this pattern today - and I mentioned how I would tie it, to get the durability I like my patterns to have.



Purple Smut
Hook: Kamasan B175 #14
Thread: Pearsall's Gossamer #8 (purple)
Hackle: Starling
Body: Peacock herl, taken from eye - the part with purple sheen
Rib: Tying silk

Hackle is tied in, and then the herl. The silk is run in touching turns to end of the shank.
To maintain the skinny look I selected a herl from the peacock eye feather, and selected a strand from the part which has the blue-purple sheen. This to enhance the purple aspect of the body.
With the herl I wrap touching turns, making sure the quill section is the leading edge, to the bend.
The silk ties down the herl and then spiraled in open, but even, turns towards the eye.
Two turns of starling, trap, cut through and whip finish.

Cheers,
Hans W

[Izaak]

Beautiful Hans! This is a much more durable fly than the one I tied, and quite attractive to boot! Your description and step by step is very clear and simple. It would be tough to top this pattern!

Tom

[letumgo]

Hans - This may be my new favorite. Quite attractive. Well designed with fishing functionality in mind (durability).

[Premerger]

Beautiful Hans! This is a much more durable fly than the one I tied, and quite attractive to boot! Your description and step by step is very clear and simple. It would be tough to top this pattern!

Tom

Quite attractive, Tom? This is the art of understatement
If I was able to tie that well in a #16 barbless, it would become a favourite.