Black Wet Fly

Originated by Tom Dornack

Hook:  TMC 3769 #12-16 

Thread: Black 6/0 

Body: Black rabbit fur/black or peacock Ice Dub (pictured right) 

Overbody: 12-20 strands of black Krystal Flash 

 Hackle: Black hen hackle - two turns (a bit oversized)

Tying: This is an easy pattern.  Start by tying in lead body and then the strands of Krystal Flash, dub in black rabbit making it slightly narrow towards the head to prevent overcrowding of the eye.  Pull Krystal Flash over and tie down.  Tie in black hen hackle - two turns.  Fold back hackle as you use the thread to make a pronounced head.

Comments:  This is the masterpiece of Tom Dornack from southeast Minnesota.  I add weight when tying this pattern (as many turns of lead as the strands of krystal flash) and add split shot to make sure the fly gets down.  This is a particularly good fly to use in clear conditions from May forward as it represents a drowned terrestrial.  It has also proven to be deadly when fished as a dropper later in the year off a hopper pattern like a Madame X or a highly buoyant dry fly like a Fluttering Caddis.  Tie these in bunches because the trout absolutely crush them.