Salmon flesh is a valuable source of much needed protein for resident native species such as rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and char. Loose spawned salmon eggs are also another source of high energy food for trout.
This pattern incorporates a combination of the two as a pattern which may trigger a strike response from either key element. Individual egg patterns and flesh flies are quite effective most of the time, but sometimes a combination may prove to be the best offering. Having a wide variety of patterns, colors and sizes in the fly box is essential.
TYING:
- Cover the hook shank from the eye to the bend with thread to form a base.
- Tie in .020 - .030 lead wire near the bend and wrap forward stopping 1/4 inch back of the eye, then cover the wrapped lead with tying thread.
- Tie in the stripped rabbit near the bend and wrap forward to where the lead ends, then tie off.
- Tie in chenille behind the hook eye and wrap using a modified figure 8 pattern to form an egg. The egg should fill the space between where the stripped rabbit ends and the hook eye.
Field Notes: The Alaskan flyfisher must be aware that many Alaskan patterns have specific requirements to optimize their effectiveness. This recipe, the Egg-Sucking Flesh Fly is a seasonal artificial which is a chameleon of sorts. During the early portion of a salmon run the available flesh which it imitates are the trimmings from anglers cleaning their catch. Flesh color is should resemble that of fresh salmon so light orange to reddish-orange should be chosen during this timeframe. As salmon mature and die and their carcasses decay the pieces of flesh present in the stream are beige and white in color. Choosing patterns in this color range offer the most natural presentation during the final stage of the spawning run.
A variety of colors as well as sizes should be carried. At times the most "logical" color choice matching the conditions instream may not be as effective as chosing the opposite colors. Egg color is generally tied in orange or pink.
Pattern by Brad Hanson
Photo by B. Hanson ©1999
