“How to Tie the Rusty Banana – The Perfect Autumn Salmon Fly”

Fly Tying

Nov 3

When autumn rolls in and the river starts to cool, salmon begin to crave something a little richer, a little moodier than the bright yellows of summer. That’s where the Rusty Banana comes in — a seasoned twist on the classic Banana fly that’s aged like fine whisky. With its warm reds, browns, and a hint of burnt orange, this fly glows in the stained fall water and brings that perfect mix of flash and movement to wake up even the most stubborn salmon. It’s the kind of pattern you tie on when you want your fly to look like it’s been around the block — a bit rugged, full of confidence, and ready to swing through that deep autumn pool.

🪶 Step-by-Step Tying Guide:

Set Up the Tube:
Start with a Pro Micro Tube system. Slide a 5mm Pro Flexib weight onto the tube — this adds heft and helps the fly cut through the current. You can adjust the size (4mm or 5mm) depending on water speed and depth.
Attach Thread:
Secure your black tying thread to the tube and lay down a smooth base.
Add the Body Hackle:
Select a long-fiber red feather and tie it in by the tip. Use hackle pliers to wrap the feather forward, stroking the fibers back with your fingers so they sweep naturally around the tube. Secure and trim the excess.
Underwing – Red Polar Fox:
Take a small clump of red polar fox. Clean out short or loose fibers, and check the taper so it’s broad at the tie-in and thins toward the tip.
Tie it in with a few loose wraps, use your thumbnail to spread the wing evenly around the tube, and secure with thread and a dab of varnish.
Flash Layer – Angel Hair:
Add a sparse layer of red Angel Hair flash across the wing. Flatten it evenly so the shimmer spreads through the full body, not just the center. Fold it back and trim the ends to taper with the wing.
Top Wing – Burnt Orange Polar Fox:
Prepare a slightly longer bunch of burnt orange polar fox, removing thicker base fibers. Check the taper again and tie it in as the longest layer of the wing. Fold it slightly around the tube for that drop-shaped wing profile. Secure with thread and varnish.
Side Flash – Mirror Flash:
Add red Mirror Flash to each side of the wing to create a fish-like lateral line. Trim to just beyond the wing tips for subtle sparkle.
Overwing – Peacock Herl:
Select three strands of peacock herl and lay them evenly over the top of the wing. This adds a rich, natural shimmer and contrast. Tie down and trim the excess.
Front Hackle – Pheasant Feather (Spay Hackle):
Tie in a pheasant feather by the tip and wrap it to form a flowing collar. These longer, slightly stiffer fibers move beautifully in the current while giving the fly a bold finishing shape.
Eyes – Jungle Cock Substitute:
Add two small yellow Jungle Cock eye feathers (or synthetic substitutes) on either side for contrast. Position evenly and secure in place.
Front Cone – Pro Ultrasonic Disc:
Slide on a black Pro Ultrasonic Disc (use a small amount of super glue on the thread to secure). This helps push water and gives the fly extra life in the swing.
Finish:
Trim any excess material, singe the tube end lightly, and you’ve got yourself a Rusty Banana — an autumn-ready salmon temptress that’s all class and confidence.