How to Tie the White Wulff: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying

Apr 26

The White Wulff is a classic dry fly designed by Lee Wulff, perfect for imitating insects that trout love to feast on. This simple yet effective pattern is easy to tie and floats well, making it a go-to for any angler.

Materials Needed:

Dry fly hook
White calf tail (for wing)
Sheer 40 denier thread
Light cream dubbing
Golden badger hackle
Tying thread (light cream or white)
Hackle pliers

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Hook and Start the Thread

Start by attaching your thread to the hook, securing it all the way to the rear. Make sure to leave some room for the body and wing placement.

2. Create the Tail Section

Stack a bunch of white calf tail fibers. They should be about the same length as the hook shank. Spin your thread anti-clockwise and secure the tail at the hook's rear.

3. Form the Body Taper

Wrap your thread forward in a smooth, spiral motion. This will create a taper as you progress toward the eye of the hook. Trim any stray fibers and ensure the body tapers toward the front.

4. Tie in the Wing

Lift the tail fibers slightly and create a secure base for the wing. Use white calf tail for the wing, making sure the length matches the hook shank. Secure the wing with a few tight wraps of thread.

5. Split and Position the Wing

Split the wing with your thread and secure it using a figure-eight technique. Lock the wing in place with additional wraps and trim off any excess tail fibers.

6. Prepare and Attach the Hackle

Now, take a bunch of golden badger hackle fibers and tie them in at the front. Ensure the hackle is positioned 90 degrees from the hook shank.

7. Build the Collar

Wrap the hackle tightly around the hook, starting from the base and working forward. You can make the hackle wraps as dense or as sparse as you prefer based on your desired fly action.

8. Complete the Body

Add a light cream dubbing to the thread and spin it tightly. Begin wrapping this over the hook to build the body up to the eye, just behind the hackle.

9. Finish the Fly

Wrap the hackle forward to cover the body and secure it with a few wraps at the front. Tie off the hackle and finish with a clean whip finish. Trim any excess thread and give the fly a final check.

Fly Tying