Step 1. Begin with an Eagle Claw # NT156 in 1/0 (or similar short shank hook). De-barb the hook (this is easier to do at the tying bench than it is on the water and if you break it here you merely need another hook and not an entire fly)  and place in the vise jaws securely. Using clear monofilament for thread lay down a base coat of thread and secure the eyes (I used lead eyes painted silver here, the choice in eye design and color is up to you) using an X pattern. I place the eyes directly between the hook eye and the hook point. The eye size is determined by the size of the hook and the sink rate needed. Apply a drop of glue to the eyes to ensure they stay where you want them. Bring the monofilament forward in front of the eyes.

Step 2. Tie in the middle body section. For this fly, I used gray as a middle color with no flash (if you want flash this is the place to add it). Using the hook length (from the eye to the bend) trim a small bundle of gray that is 1-1/2 times the length of the hook. Anchor the material forward of the eyes and trim any excess fibers at an angle. Wrap a few wraps to secure material. I use only one wrap behind the eyes to secure the material (it provides a better profile rather than several wraps after the eyes). Add a bundle of white that is 1/4 longer than the gray material (2 times the hook length). Secure and trim as above.

Step 3. Rotate the vise 180 degrees so the material you just added is on the bottom of the fly. Add the top color or back color of the fly. I used blue for this fly, remember the back should be darker than the bottom. The back should 3 times the length of the hook. Attach the blue bundle to the hook. Secure all thread wraps forward of the eyes and trim as needed. I add a dot of color to the eyes and trim the fly to the shape that I like. Wrap the head area (forward of the eyes) so the head is cone shaped. Secure the thread with a whip finish or two. Glue the head with Dave's Flexament or epoxy. Ensure there is adequate ventilation when working with glue or epoxy! You can use Hard as Nails in place of glue or epoxy. It does not take much glue to seal the thread wraps.

Step 4. Insert the fly into a Styrofoam block or other material and allow to dry over night. Make any final modifications to the shape of the fly after it has dried thoroughly. Comb or brush the fly to blend the material colors together and make a sleeker profile. One of the best way I know to make this fly come to life in the water is use a loop knot connection. Here I use a No Name Knot loop connection to attach the fly to the leader (Click on the photo to get a larger image). Any loop knot (Click here jump to my knot page for more info) will work, as long as it is tied correctly. After I tie the knot I use a drop of Fishin' Glue (Click here to visit the Fishin' Glue) to ensure that my knot holds. Note to self: DO NOT GET FISHIN' GLUE ON YOUR FLY LINE (it makes it disappear, for good!!!).