Mad River Outfitters: Friday Flies: The Default #1 by Paul Johnson

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Friday Flies: The Default #1 by Paul Johnson

The Default #1
Written and tied by Paul Johnson

The Default #1 has become a staple in my Rainbow Trout/Steelhead box. I came up with this pattern because I wanted a fly that would be easy and quick to tie, making it easier to load a lot of patterns into my box.

This fly showcases a big factor when targeting Rainbows/Steelhead... flash. The vinyl rib adds a bit of texture to the fly. I chose clear so the holographic tinsel shines right through making it an eye catcher for any fish that sees it. Holographic tinsel provide the tyer with a lot of different possible color combinations. This fly can be tied from bright colors to more earth tone colors depending on where you’re fishing. In addition, the TMC 2457 hooks are strong which is why this fly can handle the Steelhead we are targeting in the Great Lakes Region.

So, if you’re looking for a pattern to add into your box make sure this is one of them!

Step 1: Put the bead onto the hook and secure it in your vise.

Step 2: Put a layer of thread down behind the bead making sure to wrap down to the back end of the barb.

Step 3: Tie in a 3” piece of Vinyl Rib starting from behind the bead making wraps back. Make sure to only go back the same distance with thread wraps as you did in the previous step so everything is even.

Step 4: Tie in a piece of the Holographic Tinsel the same length as the vinyl rib. After tying the tinsel in work your thread wraps up the hook to just behind the bead.

Step 5: Grab the Holographic Tinsel wrapping it up the hook until you get to where your thread is. Make sure your forward wraps are overlapping each other. Lock down the tinsel with two thread wraps.

Step 6: Repeat step 6 with the Vinyl Rib.

Step 7: Twist the ice dub onto the thread then make wraps until you form a small dubbing ball behind the bead.

Step 8: Pull apart and re-stack a small amount of Laser Dub until you have a sparse piece about an inch wide.

Step 9: Center tie the Laser Dub so that half the material is hanging out in front of the hook and lock in with two thread wraps right behind the bead then pull the front most portion of the laser dub down below the bead while moving your thread in front of it. Lay down two to four strong thread wraps to lock it all in place.