The pattern notebook · terrestrial
Fat Head Beetle
How do you tie a Fat Head Beetle?
Fat Head Beetle is a terrestrial fly pattern for trout, bass, panfish. Find its 7 materials and 20 tying steps below.
- Difficulty
- 2 of 5
- Target species
- trout, bass, panfish
- Pattern designer
- Dennis Potter
Added to catalog · Updated
At the vise
Materials
- Hook: #12-16 dry fly, 1x long
- Thread: Black, 70 Denier
- Body: Black foam, 3mm
- Underbody: Peacock herl, 3-4 strands
- Wings: EP fibers or similar
- Legs: Black rubber
- Indicator: Orange (or pink/yellow) egg yarn
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Tying instructions
Secure the hook in the vise.
Lay down a thread base around the bend of the hook.
Take the thread a little farther around the bend.
Return the thread to where you will tie in the foam body.
Cut a V on the end of a piece of 3mm black foam.
Tie in the foam body at the bend, and wrap the thread back around the bend.
Wrap the foam body forward, creating a long body.
Secure the foam body with thread wraps.
Tie in 3-4 strands of peacock herl.
Break off the excess peacock herl.
Wrap the peacock herl forward to where you will tie in the head.
Fold the foam over, pulling it tight, and pinch it.
Secure the foam with 8-10 thread wraps.
Fold the foam over again, creating a fat head.
Secure the foam with several thread wraps, creating a flat space.
Tie in EP fibers for the wings.
Tie in black rubber legs on either side.
Tie in a 1-inch strip of egg yarn for the indicator.
Trim the wings, legs, and indicator to the desired length.
Whip finish behind the eye.