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Wits Foam Emerger – Pearl

by Elaine Cook - Fly Tying Chairman

The primary food source for trout in the winter time are midges. This pattern is an emerger that will float in the surface film due to the foam post. The body will hang down into the water. The directions are written for a size 16 hook. Adjust materials, accordingly.

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, TMC 100 or similar lightweight wire scud hook. Crimp barb.
THREAD: White 6/0.  Attach 2 eye lengths behind eye. Wrap to halfway around bend of hook with touching wraps. Then back to tie in. Repeat once or twice depending on size of hook. (see photo)
BODY: Pearl Krystal Flash.   Tie to top of shank with touching thread wraps  back to two thread wraps from end of prior thread wraps. Then thread wraps back to tie. Cut excess. Wrap flash forward with touching or slightly overlapping wraps. Tie off, cut excess. Apply glue to entire body. Allowed to dry. Then cut white thread.
THREAD: Black 6/0. Attach 2 eye lengths  behind eye.
POST: 2mm White Foam.   Cut very narrow strip. Then point at one end. Attach pointed end behind eye with remainder of strip forward. Fold  back and tie down leaving loop (see photo). Cut excess. Tie down butt end. Apply small amount of glue. Allow to dry.
THORAX: Peacock Herl.  Attach behind post. Make dubbing loop. Twist to form chenille. Wrap generous thorax. Tie off, cut access. Half hitch under post behind eye to tie off. Cut thread. Small amount of glue to tie off.
NOTE: Moisten body before fishing to aid its sinking into water.