How to Tie the Kingfisher Wet Fly: Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying

May 15

The Kingfisher Wet Fly is a vibrant, attractor-style fly that’s perfect for brown trout and sea trout. Known for its colorful appeal, it’s a traditional pattern that stands out in the water and attracts fish with its movement and bright hues.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Hook and Thread: Start by attaching your Uni Thread (black) at the hook’s eye. Wind the thread down to just before the bend of the hook, leaving space for the tail and body.
Tie in the Tail: Select some Kingfisher Blue feather fibers, lining up the tips evenly. For a traditional look, make the tail length about the same as the shank of the hook. Secure the feathers with a few tight wraps, then trim any excess.
Prepare the Body: Attach the gold wire for ribbing by securing it next to the tail. Then, tie in the Old Gold Mylar Tinsel (medium) for the body. Wind the tinsel up to about 1.5mm from the eye to leave space for the hackle.
Wrap the Tinsel: Carefully wind the tinsel forward, overlapping each turn slightly for an even coverage. When you reach the thread, secure the tinsel with a few wraps and trim off any excess.
Apply the Ribbing: Wind the gold wire over the body, starting from the tail and working forward. Make tight, evenly spaced wraps, and then secure the wire at the head of the fly. Twist the wire at a 90° angle and break it off.
Tie in the Hackle: Select a small orange Chinese hackle feather. Tie it in by the tip, securing it just behind the body. Wind the hackle forward two to three turns, and then secure the stem with a tight wrap of thread.
Add the Wing: Take a small slip of Blue Mard feather and trim it to the desired size. Tie it onto both sides of the fly, making sure the tips are lined up evenly. Adjust the positioning to ensure the wing is slightly lower than the tail.
Finish the Fly: With the wing in place, apply some wax to the thread and secure the head area. Tie off the thread with a few tight wraps to finish the fly.
Trim and Final Touches: Make sure all materials are securely tied in, and trim any excess. Add a few more wraps around the head to ensure everything stays in place.