Wedge-Wing Style Dry Flies

Invicta Flies - Wedge-Wing Style Dry Flies

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I first learned of the wedge-wing style from Darrel Martin's "Micropatterns." Mr. Martin describes the technique for winging dries as especially suited to very small patterns. I have found, however, that it is also very good for flies up to size 12.

The most important part of tying wedge-wing dries, is to select the right hair for the job. The absolute best is reindeer.

Natural White Reindeer

Reindeer easily dyes to any desired color.

Other hairs may be used to less effectiveness, as long as the fibers are thin, soft, and somewhat translucent. Ideally, good hair for this method ends in a sharp taper and lacks the fine black tips common on most deer or elk.

The inherent properties of genuine reindeer hair give the finished wing some important qualities. The wing is translucent, glowing with the background light of day. It is soft, preventing leader twist, especially in the single wing, and allowing for good hook-ups. After the Flexament has been worn off by a number of trout, the wing still holds its general shape, potentially making the fly usable until lost. The subtle shadows within the slightly kinked hairs suggest a general venation similar to that of the natural mayfly's.

Below is an outline of how to tie the wedge-wing. Give it a try... you will find it is much easier than it seems! If you cannot locate genuine reindeer, e-mail me or use the "Your Input" section to let me know and I will get some for you through The Invicta Flyshop.

1.) Clip a bundle of hair from the reindeer patch. The size of the bundle will, of course, depend on the size of the fly and whether it will be a single or double wing. For a single wedge-wing on a size 14 hook, a bundle slightly smaller than a matchstick in diameter will produce a nice, full wing.

2.) Remove all the soft underfur. You will notice there are a small number of hairs much longer than the rest. Remove these, then even the tips in a hair stacker.

3.) Measure the tips against the hook for length. Typically, the wing will be one hook eye length less than the entire length of the hook. Tie down on top of hook with three wraps of thread, tips pointing to the rear. Do not discard the butt ends of the reindeer. Rather, gather up the fibers, clip near tie-in area, and immediately place the clipped ends down into the hair stacker. These can then be used later for a trimmed wedge-wing.

4.) Once the butt ends are clipped, take a few turns of thread forward, then back again to cover any exposed ends and help anchor the wing. Lift the tips up and take several wraps of thread behind the bundle, building a dam of sorts to hold them up. If desired, or if tying hackle in parachute-style, take a couple turns of thread around the base (DO NOT pull these wraps too tightly, or you will cleanly sheer off the soft reindeer!).