BEGINNER FLY TYING: THE BIG PINK SALMON FLY

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through tying a Big Pink Salmon Fly, an effective pattern for catching Coho and Chinook Salmon, especially in murky water conditions. This step-by-step guide will ensure you have all the necessary materials and techniques to create this popular fly.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start tying, make sure you have all the required materials ready. Here’s what you will need:

• Hook: Choose a suitable hook for salmon flies.
• Thread: Use a strong, durable thread in a bright color.
• Body Material: Select a pink chenille or similar material.
• Tail Material: Consider using marabou or synthetic fibers in pink.
• Wing Material: Use a combination of pink and white materials.
• Hackle: Opt for a suitable hackle feather.
• Head Cement: To secure and finish the fly.

Practical Tips

• Organize your materials before you begin to streamline the process.
• Ensure all materials are in good condition and appropriate for the fly size.

Step 2: Prepare the Hook

Start by preparing your hook for tying:

1. Secure the hook in the vise with the hook point facing upward.
2. Start the thread about one eye length behind the eye of the hook.
3. Wrap the thread down to the bend of the hook, ensuring even coverage.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid starting your thread too far back or too close to the eye, as this can affect the fly’s balance.

Step 3: Tie in the Tail

Next, you will attach the tail material:

1. Cut a bundle of marabou or synthetic fibers approximately 1.5 times the length of the hook.
2. Lay the fibers on top of the hook shank at the bend.
3. Secure the fibers with several tight wraps of thread.

Practical Tips

• The tail should be fluffy and extend slightly beyond the hook bend for best action in the water.

Step 4: Create the Body

Now it’s time to build the body of the fly:

1. Cut a length of pink chenille.
2. Tie it in at the same point as the tail material.
3. Wrap the chenille forward in even, overlapping layers toward the eye of the hook.
4. Secure the chenille with thread wraps and trim any excess.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure each wrap of chenille overlaps the previous one to create a smooth body.

Step 5: Add the Wing

To give your fly some visibility, you’ll add the wing:

1. Cut a piece of white material (like synthetic fibers).
2. Tie it in on top of the body material, ensuring it is slightly longer than the body.
3. Secure it with thread wraps.

Practical Tips

• Mixing materials can enhance the visual appeal; consider using a blend of pink and white.

Step 6: Tie in the Hackle

The hackle adds movement and realism to your fly:

1. Select a suitable hackle feather and strip the base.
2. Tie it in at the same location as the wing.
3. Wrap the hackle around the body several times, then secure it with thread wraps.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid wrapping the hackle too tightly, as it needs to move freely in the water.

Step 7: Finish the Fly

Complete your fly by securing everything in place:

1. Wrap the thread to create a neat head.
2. Apply head cement to secure all materials.
3. Trim any excess thread and materials.

Practical Tips

• A clean finish will help improve the durability and appearance of your fly.

Conclusion

You have successfully tied a Big Pink Salmon Fly! This fly is particularly effective in dirty water conditions and can attract both Coho and Chinook Salmon. Practice your technique and experiment with variations to create your unique patterns. Happy fishing!