How to Tie the Classic Mr Blobby Fly Pattern: Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying
Written By Trent Jones

with: Davie McPhail

The Mr Blobby fly is a unique and effective competition fly originally tied by Jimmy McBride, designed to mimic bright, flashy prey and catch the attention of trout. Follow this step-by-step guide to tie your own Mr Blobby fly, blending vibrant colors and using traditional dubbing techniques.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather Materials and Prepare the Hook

  • Use a size 10 heavy-duty competition hook.

  • Attach your thread (fire orange Uni thread AO is recommended).

  • Wax your thread lightly for better control.

Step 2: Attach Flash and Tail

  • Select 3 strands of pearl crystal flash for the tail.

  • Measure tail length against the hook shank, ensuring it is not too long.

  • Tie the flash firmly at the rear of the hook.

Step 3: Form a Dubbing Loop

  • Create a dubbing loop roughly halfway along the hook shank using your thread.

  • Secure it tightly.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Dubbing

  • Mix dubbing fibers: fiery yellow, hot orange, and fluorescent orange SLF dubbing.

  • Twist these fibers evenly into the dubbing loop slowly to blend colors naturally.

  • Use a dubbing needle or your fingers to separate fibers for a fuller look.

Step 5: Wrap the Dubbing

  • Wind the dubbing loop forward along the hook shank, stroking fibers backward as you go.

  • Keep the body tapered and colorful, blending the three colors smoothly.

Step 6: Add Secondary Dubbing and UV Flash (Optional)

  • Prepare a second dubbing loop with fluorescent pink dubbing mixed with UV flash fibers.

  • Wrap this over the rear part of the fly body for extra brightness and attraction.

Step 7: Prepare and Attach the Foam Eyes

  • Cut high-density yellow foam into 5mm strips and round the edges with a lighter.

  • Create "dumbbell" style eyes by rolling foam strips with a dubbing needle.

  • Attach foam eyes to the sides of the fly using tight figure-eight wraps with thread.

Step 8: Finish the Head and Trim

  • Secure the thread behind the eyes tightly.

  • Brush the dubbing fibers out with a toothbrush or velcro brush to blend and shape the fly.

  • Trim fibers at an angle towards the rear for a streamlined finish.

Step 9: Final Touches

  • Optionally varnish the head area for durability.

  • Check the overall shape and color blend, ensuring a neat, vibrant finish.

Materials List

  • Size 10 heavy-duty competition hook

  • Fire orange Uni AO thread

  • Pearl crystal flash (3 strands)

  • SLF dubbing: fiery yellow, hot orange, fluorescent orange, fluorescent pink

  • UV flash fibers (optional)

  • High-density yellow foam (5mm strips)

  • Dubbing needle

  • Velcro or toothbrush for brushing fibers

  • Lighter (for shaping foam)

  • Scissors and fine trimming tools

Trent Jones
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