How to Tie a Veiled Beaded Egg Bomb Fly – Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying

Nov 15

Today, we’re diving into a fly pattern that’s a true river favorite—the Veiled Beaded Egg, affectionately known as an Egg Bomb. Perfect for those salmon and trout sneaky nibbles in New Zealand rivers like the Tongero, Rotaroa Lakes, Titi, or Hanamaya, this pattern gets right down to the bottom where the action is.

Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide

Prepare Hook and Bead
- Slide a 3.5 mm red tungsten bead onto your hook.
- Add 8–12 wraps of lead wire under the bead for weight.
- Mount the hook in your vise.
Thread Base
- Attach red Anosilk thread (Nano recommended) at the hook shank.
- Wrap a secure base over the lead wire and hook shank. Angle the thread at 45° to force it back over the wire and create a smooth thread foundation.
Add Flash (Optional)
- Tie in a small amount of Crystal Pearl flash at the tail to add shimmer. Trim excess.
Tie in the First Veil
- Use SimpliFly Sparkle Dubbing or a fine egg veil material.
- Tie in a small clump over the tail flash, then taper the edges with scissors for a natural, translucent effect.
Add Egg Body (Chenille)
- Tie in fluoro steelhead orange egg chenille at the tail.
- Wrap forward to form a rounded egg shape behind the bead.
- Secure tightly with thread and trim excess. Optional: a dab of glue under the chenille increases durability.
Shape the Body
- Preen or adjust the chenille to form a natural rounded egg shape.
Add Top Veil
- Tie another sparse clump of sparkle dubbing over the egg body, ensuring it drapes lightly over the sides.
- Pull and trim stray fibers to maintain a soft, flowing veil.
Whip Finish & Cement
- Whip finish behind the bead to secure everything.
- Optional: add head cement or glue for extra security.
Final Adjustments
- Tweak the veil fibers to ensure a natural, translucent appearance.
- Check the fly from all angles—your Egg Bomb is ready to hit the water!