The pattern notebook · terrestrial
Deer Hair Beetle
How do you tie a Deer Hair Beetle?
Deer Hair Beetle is a terrestrial fly pattern for trout. Find its 4 materials and 9 tying steps below.
The Deer Hair Beetle is a terrestrial fly pattern designed to imitate beetles, making it effective for enticing trout. It is fished on the surface, often near the banks or under overhanging vegetation.
- Difficulty
- 3 of 5
- Target species
- trout
- Pattern designer
- Nick Simonson
Added to catalog · Updated
At the vise
Materials
- Dry Fly Hook, TMC 100, sizes 10-14
- Thread (6/0), Black
- Peacock Herl
- Black Dyed Deer Hair
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Tying instructions
Secure the dry fly hook in the vise.
Start the black thread just behind the hook eye and wrap rearward to the bend to create a stable base.
Select a clump of black dyed deer hair, stack it to even the tips, and tie it in by the tips on top of the hook shank, leaving an inch or so hanging off the back.
Tie in two strands of peacock herl at the bend.
Wrap the peacock herl forward evenly to form the body, stopping just behind the hook eye. Tie off and trim the excess.
Fold the deer hair clump forward over the body to form the shell back and tie it off behind the hook eye.
Form a small thread head, whip finish, and trim the thread.
Use fine scissors or an X-acto knife to cut the back ends of three deer hairs on each side of the fly to form the legs.
Gently tap the legs with your finger to add a slight crinkle.