The pattern notebook · streamer
Barely Legal
How do you tie a Barely Legal?
Barely Legal is a streamer fly pattern for Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Bass, Pike. Find its 10 materials and 15 tying steps below.
- Difficulty
- 3 of 5
- Target species
- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Bass, Pike
- Pattern designer
- Kelly Galloup
Added to catalog · Updated
At the vise
Materials
- Rear Hook: 4X Long Streamer Hook (TMC 5263), sizes 4-8
- Front Hook: 4X Long Streamer Hook (TMC 5263), sizes 2-6
- Thread: UTC 140 Denier, Olive
- Articulation Wire: 19-Strand Beadalon Wire
- Connection Beads: 4mm Plastic Beads
- Cone: Tungsten or Brass Cone Head (front hook)
- Tail: Olive Marabou (blood quill)
- Underbody: White Marabou
- Body: Medium Pearl Chenille
- Head Cement or Superglue
Have some of these already? The app matches recipes against your inventory and helps you build a shopping list for the gaps.
Tying instructions
REAR SECTION: Start thread on rear hook and create thread base
Tie in shank-length tail of olive marabou at bend
Attach pearl chenille and wrap 3-4 turns up the hook
Layer marabou progressively longer toward eye - olive on top, white on bottom
Alternate olive marabou on top and white marabou underneath with each layer (2-3 sections each color)
Finish with thread near eye and apply super glue while whip finishing.
FRONT SECTION: Start thread on front hook with brass or tungsten cone on hook
Secure 19-strand Beadalon wire at the barb
Thread two 4mm plastic beads onto wire and connect to rear hook through its eye
Tie down connector securely with superglue on thread wraps
Repeat chenille-and-marabou layering - olive on top, white underneath, 2-3 sections total.
Use fuller marabou plumes in front section for better taper
Apply dubbing to create head behind the cone
Create thread dam between cone and eye for security
Whip finish and apply superglue.