Grey Hackle Peacock, a wet fly
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his fly was initially designed for stillwater service, but its acceptance is now universal. Here in Georgia it has caught just about anything that swims in fresh water.
This is a more full body tie like Carl Goldman ties. Image credit Still Water Fly Tyers.com.
A cone head or lead wire on the shank of the hook will destroy the natural action of this fly. If swum deeper than 10-feet the red tail will no longer be visible as red disappears from vision at that or greater depth. If you want to get the fly deep, use a sink tip no greater than 10-feet long.
The desirable action is achieved with short finger pulls with erratic pause-pulsing. The smaller hook sizes seem to attract bluegills and a variety of panfish (brim), as well as smaller trouts.
My fishing bud, Carl Goldman, ties his version of the Grey Hackle Peacock with a more full-body (Uni-Yarn / Black) than shown in the video. I’ve been tying them both ways, sparse, full and in brown and have not noticed an animal preference. I always have six or more versions of the Hackle Peacock Fly in my tool box.
RECIPE
Hook: Mustad 3906B (or equal), size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14
Thread: Uni-Thread – Black – 6/0
Tag: Tinsel Gold Tail: Hen Neck Feather Fibers / Red
Underbody: Uni-Yarn / Black
Body: Peacock Herl / 2 or 3 Herls
Collar: Hen Neck Feather / Grizzly
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Big trout bank cruising in stillwater. Image credit www.trouthunt.com.
