The Royal Chubby Chernobyl Fly Pattern: Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying

May 27

The Chubby Chernobyl is a versatile and buoyant dry fly pattern, ideal for dry-dropper applications. Its larger size and foam body make it perfect for supporting heavier nymphs in your setup. Below is a step-by-step guide to tying this favorite fly.

Materials List:

Hook: Dry fly hook (size 10-14)
Thread: 6/0 or 8/0 (color to match body)
Bead: 5/32 tungsten jig bead (optional)
Tail: 10-12 strands of peacock crystal flash
Body: Peacock herl (for the first third), red dubbing (for the middle third), peacock herl (for the last third)
Foam: 2mm brown foam (quarter-inch width)
Wing: White sparkle yarn (4 strands)
Legs: Rubber legs (turtle grass)
Hackle: Optional for added flotation

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Hook

Start by securing the hook in the vise. If you're adding weight to the fly, place a 5/32 tungsten jig bead onto the hook.

Step 2: Tie in the Tail

Take 10-12 strands of peacock crystal flash and tie them in at the back of the hook for the tail, making sure the length is about the same as the body of the fly.

Step 3: Add the Foam Underbody

Cut a thin strip of foam (2mm, about a quarter-inch wide). Tie it in at the hook’s midpoint and wrap it loosely along the hook, leaving a small gap near the head. This foam will serve as the underbody, adding buoyancy without compressing the foam.

Step 4: Build the Body

Starting with the peacock herl, dub the first third of the body.
For the middle third, switch to red dubbing and dub it onto the thread.
Finally, for the last third, tie in more peacock herl, creating a smooth, tapered body that blends the color transitions nicely.

Step 5: Attach the Foam

Cut a piece of foam (quarter-inch wide, 2mm thick) and tie it in on top of the hook. It should extend two-thirds of the way back towards the tail.
Make sure the foam is aligned evenly and lies flat on top of the body.

Step 6: Add the Wing

Prepare the white sparkle yarn by pulling out about four strands and combing them into one uniform piece.
Tie the wing material on top of the foam so it extends slightly beyond the foam. The wing should be tied in just behind the hook eye.

Step 7: Secure the Back Wing

Pull the front wing material back towards the tail, doubling the volume of the wing. Secure it in place with a few more wraps of thread. Trim the wing to be even with the back foam, creating a clean profile.

Step 8: Attach the Legs

Cut rubber legs to the desired length and tie them in on either side of the fly. For a more natural look, you can space these out with a little dubbing rope between them.

Step 9: Finish the Fly

Advance the thread to the front of the fly, leaving space for the head. Pull the foam forward and secure it with a few wraps. Ensure the foam is tight but not compressed.
Trim the foam head so it extends slightly beyond the hook eye, and shape the edges with your scissors for a cleaner finish.

Step 10: Whip Finish