We have previously featured two cool caddisfly patterns (here and here) by New Jersey fly tier John Collins, and now he’s back with a killer mayfly emerger. The Hendricksons should start popping over the next few weeks in the Northeast, so the timing is perfect for this particular version. But keep in mind that, by changing up the colors, you can tie a Hsammer to match any mayfly species.
In this great video by Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, Collins demonstrates his unorthodox but simple technique for tying a pattern meant to float with its back half underwater. By changing the position of the hook in the vise twice, he allows easy access to the full length of the shank. As always, watch these videos in 4K for maximum effect.
Hendo Hammer
Hook: Klinkhamer dry/emerger hook (here a Daiichi 1167), sizes 12-16.
Thread: Rusty Dun 8/0 or 70-denier.
Wing post: Dark dun calf-body hair, cleaned and stacked.
Shuck (rear): Brown Antron yarn.
Shuck (front): Brown turkey biot.
Coating: UV-cure resin.
Abdomen: Hendrickson-pink turkey biot.
Thorax: Light Hendrickson Dubbing.
Hackle: Natural medium-dun saddle hackle.
Head: Tying thread.
Tools: Hair stacker, dubbing wax, bodkin.
