Keith Finlayson's "Woolhead Sculpin"

Tying Directions:

1. Hook in vise normally, and attach the eyes about 3/8" from hook eye. Wrap thread to end of hook shank.
2. Tie in Marabou tail and then 6 strands of Gold Flashabou, same length as hook shank. Tie in Crystal Chenille and then move thread forward to a point 1/3" behind eyes.
3. Run Chenille up to thread and tie off with a few wraps. There should now be a blank space between the end of the Chenille and the eyes. Move the thread to the halfway point of the blank space.
4. From your wool rope, cut a piece about 1 1/2" long. Center it horizontally to the hook eye and push it back so it is centered with your thread. Make two loose wraps, in the exact same place, and then TIGHTEN straight down. While holding thread tightly, make two more good tight wraps. Pull the wool back and wind thread to the halfway point between the eyes and the hook eye. Repeat the wool tie in procedure with another clump there. (It is very important to make your wraps tight and also in the same place.)
5. Now that you have this lovely "bunch" of wool on your fly it is time to trim it. Cut the top and the bottom flat. Cut the sides so you can see the eyes well. Similar to deer hair, trim a little bit at a time! You can always go back and trim more.
6. After the initial trimming and I am satisfied with the shape, I use a brown and a dark olive marker to color them. Once colored, brush them a little bit and then retrim. After trimming again, I will touch up any spots that need it with the markers.

Notes:

I have had tremendous success with this fly on both floating and sinking tip lines. The "pattern sheet" is available from Feather-Craft, or you may use these basic directions. This fly rides hook point up so it is relatively snag free.

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