How to Tie Kelly Galloup's Dungeon – Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying

Aug 19

With: Tom's Outdoors Fly Fishing

Kelly Galloup’s Dungeon is a legendary articulated streamer pattern built to trigger aggressive strikes from large predatory trout with its oversized profile, lifelike motion, and heavy water-pushing deer hair head.

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions:

Rear Hook Section

Attach thread to a size 4 streamer hook and lay a smooth thread base to the bend.
Tie in marabou tail – one to two marabou feathers matched in length to the hook shank.
Add flash – tie in a few strands of Krystal Flash on each side for lateral sparkle.
Tie in and wrap two schlappen feathers over the tail to form a collar, sweeping fibers backward.
Add rubber legs on each side for added movement and realism.
Finish with dubbing – apply Ice Dub or UV Polar Chenille as a short body forward of the collar.
Whip finish and cut off thread. Add a loop of wire or heavy mono (20–30 lb) to serve as the articulation connector.

Front Hook Section
8. Mount the front hook, size 2, in the vise and attach thread behind the eye.
9. Insert the wire articulation loop into the hook bend and secure tightly with thread wraps.
10. Repeat tail steps – add two schlappen feathers and rubber legs on each side to continue the buggy profile.
11. Dub a full body using UV Ice Dub or Polar Chenille, building some bulk as you move forward.
12. Add dumbbell or lead eyes on the underside for a jigging motion (optional, depending on sink rate).
13. Create a spun deer hair head – stack deer hair clumps, spin them on the hook shank, pack tightly, and repeat until near the eye.
14. Trim the deer hair into a wedge-shaped head with curved scissors, creating a prominent diving and pushing profile.
15. Whip finish and apply head cement to lock the thread in place.