How to Tie the Silver Bullet Baetis Fly Pattern: Step-by-Step Guide

With: Fly Fish Food

The Silver Bullet Baitis is a fast-sinking, durable, and simple fly pattern perfect for anglers looking for an effective baitfish imitation with a sleek, sparse profile.

Materials Needed:

• Size 16 jig hook

• 3mm silver tungsten slotted bead (adjust size 2.5mm to 3.5mm based on weight needs)

• UTC 70 denier light olive thread

• Coq de Leon fibers (speckled tail material, preferably Spanish origin)

• UTC brassy olive sculpin wire (ribbing)

• UV resin

• Peacock Black Ice dubbing (for thorax)

• UV light for curing resin

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Hook and Bead:
   Place a size 16 jig hook securely in the vise. Slide a 3mm silver tungsten slotted bead onto the hook. Adjust bead size to control the fly’s weight depending on your fishing style.

2. Start Thread Base:
   Attach UTC 70 denier light olive thread behind the bead and wrap backward to create a base for tying materials.

3. Tie in the Tail:
   Select a few fibers of speckled Coq de Leon for the tail. Tie them in neatly at the bend of the hook, ensuring there is no bump or bulk at the rear.

4. Add Ribbing Wire:
   Tie in the brassy olive sculpin wire behind the tail fibers. Slide the wire into the bead slot and wrap it straight along the back of the hook shank, securing with thread just shy of the tail to avoid disturbing the tail fibers.

5. Cover Wire with Thread:
   Wrap the thread over the wire to cover the tie-in point but stop short of the tail. This keeps the tail fibers aligned and tidy.

6. Wrap the Ribbing:
   Spiral the sculpin wire ribbing evenly over the body towards the bead, then secure and tie off the wire.

7. Apply UV Resin:
   Apply a thin layer of UV resin over the thread wraps to seal the fly body. Use a UV light to cure the resin completely.

8. Add Thorax Dubbing:
   Take a tiny pinch of Peacock Black Ice dubbing, and dub a sparse thorax right behind the bead. Wrap thread through the dubbing a couple of times for added durability.

9. Finish the Fly:
   Whip finish the thread behind the bead to secure everything. Trim any longer dubbing fibers for a neat, streamlined thorax.

Final Tips:

• Use a smaller bead (2.5mm) for lighter presentations or dry-dropper setups.

• Use a larger bead (3.5mm) when you need the fly to anchor or sink faster.

• Less dubbing means a more natural, subtle profile that fish prefer.