Fly Tying the Found Link with Kelly Galloup!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of tying the Found Link dry fly, a favorite pattern by Kelly Galloup. Whether you're an experienced fly tier or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will help you create an effective dry fly for your fishing adventures.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To tie the Found Link, you will need the following materials:

• Hook: Size 12 or 14 dry fly hook
• Thread: 6/0 or 8/0 tying thread in a color that matches your fly
• Tailing Material: Light-colored fibers (like CDC or similar)
• Body Material: Dubbing in a natural color (e.g., tan or olive)
• Wing Material: Synthetic or natural materials for the wing (like deer hair or foam)
• Hackle: A dry fly hackle in a matching color
• Vise: To hold the hook while you tie
• Scissors: For trimming materials
• Whip Finisher: To secure the thread at the end

Practical Tips

• Ensure your materials are of good quality for the best results.
• Choose colors that mimic the insects in your local water.

Step 2: Secure the Hook in the Vise

• Place the hook securely in the vise, ensuring it is stable and positioned correctly for tying.
• Leave enough room at the eye of the hook for the materials you will add later.

Step 3: Attach the Thread

• Start your thread about one eye length back from the hook eye.
• Wrap the thread down to the bend of the hook and back up to the starting point, creating a smooth base.

Step 4: Add the Tail

• Select a small bunch of tailing material and measure it to be about the length of the hook shank.
• Tie in the tail by securing it with several tight wraps of thread.
• Trim any excess material.

Step 5: Create the Body

• Apply dubbing to your thread and twist it to form a thin noodle.
• Wrap the dubbed thread around the hook to create the body, making sure to keep the body even.
• Stop about two eye lengths from the hook eye.

Step 6: Attach the Wing

• Take your chosen wing material and measure it to be about the same length as the tail.
• Tie it in on top of the body, securing it with tight wraps.
• Trim the excess wing material if necessary.

Step 7: Add Hackle

• Select a hackle feather that matches the color of your body.
• Tie in the hackle at the same point where you tied in the wing.
• Wrap the hackle around the body several times, then secure it with thread wraps.

Step 8: Finish the Fly

• Use a whip finisher to secure the thread at the hook eye.
• Trim any excess thread and make sure all materials are secure.
• Apply a small drop of head cement for durability if desired.

Conclusion

You have successfully tied the Found Link dry fly! This fly is effective for various fishing scenarios and is a great addition to your collection. Practice this technique to improve your fly tying skills, and experiment with different colors and materials to create your unique variations. Happy fishing!