CNN – Chatto’s original

 

No this is not a fly promoted by a news network, rather the CNN stand for "Cheap aNd Nasty". I first tied this fly for use around structure where if you don't loose a few flies then your not in the game. The fly I had previously used in those situations was an estuary fly that cost between $2 and $3 to make. Doesn't sound like much but after 5 or 6 snags in a session you have to wonder. The CNN costs less than $1 to tie, is easy to tie and it works really well either fished alone or as a dropper fly behind a popper or beetle.

Materials

Hook Thread Eyes Body Rib Beard
Straight eye, fine wire stainless or nickel coated. Try Tiemco Tiemco 8089N in size #12 or Gamakatsu SS15T in size #4 Clear mono Bead chain eyes, make sure is chromed brass not chromed steel BMS dubbing or SLF fibre Holographic silver tinsel Sparkle flash

Process

A
  1. Starting at the eye of the hook wind the thread in tight touching turns to the bend of the hook and back 2/3 of the way along the hook shank.
  2. Tie in a set of bead chain eyes using figure of eight wraps and horizontal wraps above the shank of he hook and below the eyes.
  3. Tie in a length of fine silver wire along the shank of the hook to the bend of the hook.

B
  1. Dub on a body of BMS dubbing or SLF (Synthetic Living Fiber) all the way to the eyes. I find it best to use a dubbing loop.

C
  1. Wind the silver wire forward forming 3 or 4 uniform segments in the body.
  2. Tie the silver wire off in front of the eyes and trim the excess.
  3. Tie in a sparse bib that just covers the eye of the hook.
  4. Build up a neat head , whip finish and varnish.
  5. Once the fly is dry use your bodkin to pick threads of the dubbing on top and below the body of the fly.