How to Tie the Purple Death Fly Pattern in Purple — Step-by-Step Guide
With: Fly Fish 402
The Purple Death is a classic, effective fly pattern that catches fish reliably, and here’s how to tie it in a vibrant purple color with a fluorescent orange collar for extra attraction.
Materials Needed:
Hook: Size 18 standard fly hook
Bead: Small sized bead (color not specified, usually gold or brass)
Thread 1: UTC 70 denier purple thread
Thread 2: Fluorescent orange thread
Tinsel: Medium-sized pearlescent tinsel (purple tint)
Wing material: Widow’s web
UV Resin
UV light for curing resin
Fly tying tools (vise, scissors, whip finish tool, bobbin holder)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Hook: Secure your size 18 hook in the vise. Slide the bead onto the hook if applicable.
Wrap the Purple Thread: Start with UTC 70 denier purple thread. Wrap it evenly along the hook shank from the back of the bead to the bend of the hook.
Add Pearlescent Tinsel: Choose medium-sized pearlescent tinsel with a purple tint for a smoother, well-overlapped body wrap. Wrap the tinsel neatly from the hook bend back up behind the bead, covering the thread.
Secure and Trim Tinsel: Wrap the tinsel a couple times behind and in front of your wraps to lock it in place. Trim off any excess tinsel as close as possible.
Whip Finish Purple Thread: Complete a whip finish on the purple thread to secure it, then pull the thread out of the way.
Attach Fluorescent Orange Thread: Tie in the fluorescent orange thread at the front of the hook to create a vibrant collar.
Tie in Widow’s Web for the Wing: Attach a small piece of widow’s web at the front, keeping it close and trimming it to a suitable wing length.
Finish the Fly: Whip finish with about four turns to secure the collar and wing. Break the thread rather than cutting for a clean finish.
Apply UV Resin: Lightly coat all thread wraps and the widow’s web tie-in area with UV resin to lock everything in place and ensure durability.
Cure with UV Light: Use a UV light to cure the resin quickly for a strong, secure finish.
Final Tips:
Medium-sized tinsel works better than large on size 18 hooks for a smoother finish.
The fluorescent orange collar adds a bright hotspot without overpowering the fly.
Using UV resin on thread wraps prevents unraveling and adds longevity.
