Barblessfly Media

The Intruder has become a very popular “style” of steelhead fly, as opposed to a specific pattern. There are many variations and takes on the fly, which was originally developed by Ed Ward. These are large flies but should be tied in a way that allows them to still be translucent, producing a big silhouette in the water. It is easy to start adding too much material thinking your fly is going to be more effective. I have started to find that less really is more, and there are times when I have to force myself to use less material. Not only will this allow for the fly to be more translucent and provide greater movement, it also makes casting significantly easier.

Polar Bear hair spun in a dubbing loop is one of the popular “propping” methods used to hold up the wing material. If done correctly the result is incredible because of the translucence of Polar Bear hair. I personally find spinning Polar Bear difficult and, at times, frustrating. My preferred “propping” method is the use of a spun deer hair or elk hair collar, followed by arctic fox spun and wrapped right in front. The deer/elk hair is stiff and holds its shape, while the arctic fox creates a sort of webbing in front to hold your wing material.

-DG

Video SBS can be seen here

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Email dimitri@barblessfly.ca to purchase custom tied flies.