This will make the
lookee-loos
furious !
IT'S YELLOW BUT THAT DON'T MATTER !!
This little bugger is a sure-fire fish getter in just about any color you choose to use. It's quick and easy, it floats like a cork, it's made from common materials, it can be tied in a variety of sizes. And it's a cinch to tie.
For those of you, (myself included,) that like to tie at stream-side, this is the one! It can even be done without a vise and with only a bit of practice. The smaller sizes may need a bit more practice without a vise, but not much. Down to size 12 - 14 should not be too much trouble. If that is a problem, tie a bunch of the smaller ones at home and the bigger ones on the stream. It makes the Chablis crowd nuts.
This fly is aptly named and is attributed to "Muggs" in West Yellowstone, Montana. He's a well known fisherman in those parts and is a bit crusty around the edges. He fishes mostly alone, and it's hard to pry any information out of him. If you catch him sitting on the bank sucking on a cigar - approach cautiously and ask reverently - he'll probably ask you to join him. He carries a flask of single malt in his vest, and some more in the truck. His rantings are worth listening to, if just for the Scotch.
Ingredients for YELLOWSTONE CINCH: Tail: fine hair from a moose, (ears or inside the legs), Body: floss to match the bugs d'Jour, Wing: elk hair of appropriate size, Head: more floss, Sizes: 4 -18, standard or up to 2xl dry fly hook. Start by tying in the tail and wing together - flat along the body. Wrap the thread loosely to form the body. Tie in the floss, (olive, yellow, gray, green, black, brown, etc.,) in front of the wing root. Wrap the floss forward, then back to the tail, then back to the wing. Wrap the floss forward and backward on either side of the wing while spreading the wing perpendicular to the shank of the hook, (this is the easy part without a vise - just squeeze the wing and wrap.) When the body has the taper necessary, wrap forward and tie off with a finger whip. Some folks like to use black thread, others use thread the color of the floss. Muggs likes black, I use colors.
Use plenty of flotant - grease if you prefer, and send it into the stream with a "plop." My kind of fly!