How to Tie the Natural Red & Black Peacock Double Bock Fly – Step by Step Guide

With: Davie McPhail

This simple yet effective fly pattern combines natural red fibers and a black dyed peacock body with holographic tinsel for a striking look that works great on any cast.

Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

  1. Hook Setup
    Use a size 10 black hook (e.g., Gamakatsu E175). Start the thread near the eye and wrap backwards toward the hook bend, keeping the thread wraps short and neat.

  2. Prepare Tail Fibers
    Select natural brown fibers from a hen’s crop. Peel off a few fibers and strip the ends to align the lengths. Tie in the tail fibers so they extend the full length of the shank.

  3. Tie in Holographic Tinsel
    Attach a small red holographic tinsel (such as UTC brand) at the tail base. Wrap it forward toward the hook eye in smooth, even turns.

  4. Add Peacock Body
    Select fine dyed black peacock herl. Tie in several strands by the top, then wrap forward over the body to create a slim, tapered body. Secure with thread and trim excess fibers.

  5. Secure Body and Apply Superglue
    Use a thin layer of superglue (cyanoacrylate) applied sparingly over the body to lock in fibers and ensure durability. Allow it to dry before proceeding.

  6. Create Throat Hackle
    Using the same peacock herl or hen hackle fibers, tie in fibers perpendicular to the hook shank, wrapping them around the body to form a throat or collar.

  7. Form the Wing or Hackle
    Tie in additional natural brown fibers on each side to form wings, aligning with the body and securing tightly with thread wraps.

  8. Finish the Head
    Wrap thread neatly near the eye to form a small, clean head. Apply a small drop of superglue for extra strength and use a whip finish to secure the thread.

  9. Final Touches
    Optionally, apply a clear varnish or fly finish to the head for shine and protection. Use a hairdryer or gentle heat source to speed drying.

  10. Trim and Clean Up
    Trim any stray fibers or tinsel ends for a tidy, professional finish. Your Natural Red & Black Peacock Double Bock fly is ready to fish!

Materials List

  • Size 10 black hook (e.g., Gamakatsu E175)

  • Red thread (UTC or equivalent)

  • Natural brown hen crop fibers (for tail and wings)

  • Red holographic tinsel (UTC brand or similar)

  • Dyed black peacock herl

  • Superglue (thin cyanoacrylate)

  • Clear fly finish or varnish

  • Fly tying tools: scissors, bobbin, whip finish tool, bodkin

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