Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2017 - 13

Incorporating only two materials, the Cactus Fly is a great
pattern to work on techniques and creativity.

The successful steelhead angler will be at the right place at the
right time using the correct fly and technique.

materials and textures. We often use this bag. Take the
time and patience to allow your tier to go "off-road" from
the conventional tying patterns once in a while by using
leftover materials.

Two ingredients needed

Your tier can create the Cactus Fly with just two
materials: cactus chenille and leftover tying fluff. First, find
a saddle hackle or marabou from which you can pull off
some barbs of material for the tail. Tie the tail material on
just as you would a Woolly Bugger, but shorten the size to
about half the length of the hook shank. This will allow for
slight movement in the fly.
Next, strip the fibers off of the cactus chenille, and tie
it at the bend of the hook. Then, wind the thread forward.
Usually, a few wraps of the material is sufficient by placing
each wrap close to the next wrap. If you want to make it
more egg-like, build up the middle portion with more
wraps of material. Leave a little space at the hook eye to tie
in the front material.
Lastly, tie in the matching hackle or marabou at the hook
eye, leaving space for a thread head. Similar to tying a wet
fly head, push the hackle back over the body and catch it
with the thread. Remind your tier to knot and/or whip
finish to complete the pattern.

Just add water

With such a simple pattern comes many color
combinations and variations on the fly. We've tried it
using warmer colors such as orange/yellow and orange/
red combinations, colder colors such as blue/purple and
purple/black combinations, and subtler fuchsia/purple and
fluorescent/chartreuse combinations.
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For contrast, your more advanced tier may try two colors
for the body, such as black and chartreuse. These are similar
to the Blob patterns overseas. I also enjoy incorporating
white materials into the tail since it looks translucent in the
water and may give it that milky egg look. A bead head will
finish the fly off and give it extra weight.
For a sleeker version and mix of traditional/progressive
patterns, try tying a Cactus Nymph. Tie the usual Pheasant
Tail Nymph, but use the cactus chenille for the thorax.
Warm up your steelhead patterns with cactus chenille
and be at the right place with the right fly.

Cactus Fly Materials
Hook: Scud hook (sizes 10-16)
Thread: 6/0 red, purple, pink, chartreuse
Tail: Marabou or Saddle Hackle leftovers
Body: Cactus Chenille (various colors)
Hackle: Marabou or saddle hackle leftovers
Optional tail: Gold or copper bead

Cactus Nymph Materials
Hook: Nymph hook (sizes 10-18)
Thread: 6/0 brown or red
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers
Rib: Silver or gold wire (small or medium)
Body: Pheasant Tail fibers
Thorax: Micro Cactus Chenille (fluorescent orange)

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2017

13
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