How to Tie Tuft and Tail Patterns

Producer: Tim Flagler

Says tier and videographer Tim Flagler: “I use the term Tuft ’N Tail to describe a style of fly rather than any one particular pattern, although there are numerous, well-known and effective patterns that fit the category. I guess you’d call them emergers but I’ve found them to be most effective fished right down near the bottom as opposed to near the surface. They work especially well in the smallest of hook sizes, say 20 and below, and typically include a tail, a thin tapered abdomen, a tuft of fluff to represent a budding wing and an enlarged thorax which usually helps to support the wing. Beyond that, the choice of materials and colors is really up to the tier.”