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Copper Top

by Elaine Cook - Fly Tying Chairman

You may have noticed that midges are being featured the last few months.  Those of you going to the Green River fishout certainly need to have a variety with you.  One of the guides at the Green River has recommended this one in size 16 for the last week of April.  Needless to say these flies can be used wherever you fish for trout.

1. Hook:  Heavy skid hook. TMC 2457, Dai-Riki 235. Sizes 16-22.  Crimp barb .
2. Bead:  Copper.  Refer to chart in December newsletter for choosing appropriate size bead for the different sizes of hooks.  Feed bead onto hook up to eye, small opening first.
3. Thread:  Black, 8/0 for size 16 and 18 hooks, 12/0 for a smaller hooks.  Attached behind bead.  Touching wraps halfway around bend.  Touching wraps back to bead.
4. Rib:  Copper wire.  Small for size 16 and 18 hooks.  Extra fine for smaller.  Insert tip into back of bead.  Tie to top of shank with touching wraps back almost to rear of body.  Touching wraps back to bead.
5. Body:  Thread as above.  Create a tapered body with thread wraps.  See picture.  Then spiral rib forward in about seven wraps up to bead.  Holding wire upright, makes several thread wraps behind and several in front.  Twist wire to cut.  Hold bead in place with a collar of thread wraps.  Whip finish, cut thread.  Apply glue to body and color.

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