AMY HAZEL EXPLAINS AND TIES THE 'RIVER ROVER' STEELHEAD TUBE FLY
Written By Amy Hazel
At Deschutes Angler Fly Shop, we've had a Swimming Tank for about eight years which we use to test the movement of our Steelhead Fly patterns. We believe that only by swimming your fly in current, albeit simulated, can one get a fish eye view of the materials and how they move under water.
Deschutes Angler Has A New Swim Tank
Lately we upgraded our tank, adding multiple currents to better simulate actual river conditions. The results? SPECTACULAR !! Tank testing is helping us create new fly patterns, and particularly, Tube Fly patterns, that have more action and seductive wiggle than anything we have seen. My latest pattern, which I call the 'River Rover', is unbelievable in the swim tank. It's movement is beautiful and lethal for Steelhead.
What Makes A Great Steelhead Tube Fly?
I attribute the great movement to several components of this fly. First, the materials used in the fly - Montana Fly Company Ostrich, UV2 Marabou, Cotton Candy Angel Hair, and Golden Pheasant Tippet, are tied in the right combinations, quantities, and lengths to allow for freedom of movement while maintaining enough bulk to sustain a good profile in the current. Second, the placement of a substantial weight in the center of the Pro Tube Flexitube and another weight in the front of the tube, the Pro Tube Sonic Conedisc, makes the fly duck and dive like crazy. Third, the shape of the Pro Tube Sonic Conedisc diverts water around the fly in such a way that all the fibers dance in response.
Below is a step by step guide to tying the River Rover Steelhead Tube Fly. Be sure to watch through to the end where I show the fly swimming in the new tank. Enjoy!
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