Today we're tying one of the most iconic warmwater flies ever created—the deer hair popper.
If you've ever wanted to learn how to tie deer hair flies but felt intimidated by the process, you're not alone. Deer hair poppers have a reputation for being one of the more challenging flies to tie, largely because of the stacking, packing, and trimming required to achieve the final shape.
In this tutorial, I'll walk you through the entire process step-by-step, including:
• Building the tail and foundation
• Selecting and preparing deer hair
• Flaring the hair properly
• Stacking deer hair for the body
• Packing the hair tightly
• Trimming and shaping the head
• Creating a clean, flat popper face
• A few experiments to see if there's a faster way to achieve the flat popper face
While deer hair poppers can certainly test your patience, they're also some of the most rewarding flies you'll ever tie. No two ever come out exactly alike. Each one develops its own personality as you trim and shape the hair, making every finished fly feel a little bit like a custom piece of artwork that you can actually take fishing.
Whether you're tying your first deer hair popper or looking to improve your existing techniques, I hope this video helps build your confidence and makes the process a little more approachable.
📌 Links I recommend
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Check out Veevus for some of the best fly tying threads available. When you sign up for their VIP membership using my link, you’ll get a free bobbin holder plus 10% off your entire order:
https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly
Check out my sponsor Risen Fly for high-quality hooks, beads, and some of the best fly rods I’ve ever used. Use code McFly at checkout for 15% off your first order: www.risenfly.com
Shop my custom McFly Angler fly boxes and gear here: www.amazon.com/shops/McFlyAngler
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more fly tying tutorials, and fly fishing content. 🎣
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🛠️ Materials
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Hooks: Risen O'Shaughnessy (size 2) - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/hooks/products/oshaughnessy-hooks-…
Standard Thread: Veevus 6/0 (olive) - https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly
GSP Thread: Veevus GSP 100 (white) - https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly
Tail: Chickabou (olive) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/buggerbou-mini-barred-2?_pos=1&_s…
Flash: Crystal Flash (chartreuse) - https://amzn.to/4ei2HIB
Dubbing: Antron Dubbing (olive) - https://amzn.to/4ga1ipP
Feather Legs: Whiting American Cape (olive) - https://amzn.to/4vv0Tmq
Resin: Solarez Ultra Thin - https://solarez.com/bone-dry-intro-kit.html
Tail Legs: Hogfish (Forest Blaze) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/hawgfish-hawg-legs?_pos=1&_sid=5a…
Collar: Schlappen (olive) - https://amzn.to/49Jq8ck
Deer Hair: Natures Spirit Spinning Deer Hair (yellow, frog green) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/spinning-deer-hair?_pos=1&_sid=3f…
Black Deer Hair: Belly Hair (black) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/deer-belly-hair-dyed-over-white?_…
1st Glue: Liquid Fusion - https://amzn.to/4xhqKQf
2nd Glue: Solarez Flex - https://solarez.com/fly-tie-flex-formula.html
Eyes: Fish Skull Living Eyes (Wind, 3mm) - https://amzn.to/4xfyWR4
🛠️ Tools
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Vise: Renzetti Traveler - https://amzn.to/2t2FFmo
Bobbin: Veevus Bobbin - https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly
Razor Blades: https://amzn.to/4xinzYE
Scissors: Risen Spring Assist - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/fly-tying-tools-and-accessories/pr…
Whip Finisher: Dr. Slick Brass - https://amzn.to/2tGYwDW
Fly Tying Bench: Oasis Walnut Compact Bench - https://www.oasisbenches.com/oasis-benches/compact-bench/
UV Light: Solarez High Output - https://solarez.com/uv-cure-flashlight-high-output.html
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