A zonker interpretation of the classic March Brown. This fly should do well for both sea run browns, and stream base brownies and bass.
Martin Joergensen
Easy
sea trout (sea run)
smallmouth bass
| Hook | Down eye wet fly or streamer hook, like the Ahrex NS115, #4 |
| Thread | Black, 8/0 |
| Rib | Yellow floss or tying thread |
| Body | Hare's wool dubbing |
| Wing | Narrow rabbit zonker strip, "hare" colored |
| Hackle | Whiting Brahma hen, warm gray or dyed March Brown |
| Head | Tying thread |
- Start the thread in the rear of the hook shank.
- Tie in the rib. If using tying thread, double or quadruple the thread.
- Dub the body with hare's wool, leaving a bit of space for hackle and head.
- Cut a zonker strip, the skin being about 1½ shank lengths.
- Cut the front end of the skin to a triangle shape for easier tie-in.
- Tie it in in front of the body, leaving space for hackle and head.
- Pull to the rear, separate hairs and secure it with the rib.
- Wrap the rib forwards in 4-5 open turns, each time separating the hairs on the strip and securing it to the body.
- Tie down the rib and trim surplus.
- Select a hackle, barb length about ½ shank length.
- Tie in tip first, curved side forward.
- Wrap the hackle, stroking back the fibers to create a classic wet fly hackle.
- Tie down the hackle and cut off the stem as close to the fly as possible.
- Form a head, whip finish and varnish.
