Fly Tying Video: The Crafted Angel

Fly Tying Video The Crafted Angel

Tied in a steelhead intruder style, this fly is a relatively new favorite trout spey fly of mine. Originally designed as a low water fly to swing for fall browns, the Angel hunts hardy trout in all rivers with water in them. This fly has made a big splash with our Fly Tying 101 class participants in Ponderay, Idaho. Although the Angel was tied for fall browns, it will catch everything.

The Craft Fur gives this swinger great realistic movement through current, and is complimented with predator wrap for a “dirty” rainbow trout finish. The wrapped pearl red Krystal Flash imitates a juvenile rainbow’s horizontal red slash, which is a color that predators key on. The Kootenai River,which runs through Montana and Idaho, is a perfect river to fish the Angel. With aggressive rainbows and bull trout lurking behind large boulders and in deep depressions, this fly doesn’t stand a chance.

I personally enjoy swinging flies tied on a 40mm articulated shank. However, if you are looking for something a little more bite-sized, tie this intruder on a 25mm shank. This also goes for the hook. Many great fisherman prefer their hook facing down, while I prefer my hook facing up. I am definitely not a stickler when it comes to fly patterns, so do what you think is best. A size-2 hook is a good one when it comes to all-around trout sizes.

Recipe

Shank: Senyo’s Articulated Shank 40mm

Hook: TMC785 Size 2

Intruder Wire: 30lb Fireline Braid

Thread: 140 Olive Ultra Thread

Eyes: Large Silver Brass Eyes

Tail: Pearl Blue Angel Hair or Senyo's Laser Dub

Dubbing: UV Red Ice Dub

Body: Red Pearl Krystal Flash

Body: Olive Craft Fur

Body: White Craft Fur

Body: Olive Predator Wrap