Fly Tying: Brassie

Brassies are a lot like Zebra Midges in the way that they can be tied in a large variety of colors. I like to tie mine in a size 18 with a silver bead. Here I will be tying a red Brassie.

Brassies are another good fly for a beginning fly tyer but it can be difficult to make close wire wraps at first.

-Size 18 (or smaller) curved fly tying hook

- 2mm Brass bead (or appropriate size for hook).

-Small or Brassie size UTC Ultra Wire

-Size 70 UTC Ultra Thread

-2 strands of Natural Peacock Herl

- Fly tying vise, bobbin, scissors, and whip finisher tool.

*NOTE* I will be tying a red Brassie with a silver bead-head.

1. Slide the bead onto the hook small hole first.

2. Begin wrapping some thread around the hook just behind the bead and trim off the excess.

3. Wrap a single layer of thread across the entire hook until the half way point of the hook bend.

1. Remove several inches of wire (probably at least 4 inches, Brassies use A LOT of wire) from the spool and place an end underneath the bead on the side closest to you. It is important to secure the wire on this side to create a proper body shape, just like when tying a Zebra Midge.

2. Create a thread body by wrapping only a few layers of thread across the body of the fly.

This step will add a lot of weight to the fly, so the use of a tungsten bead is usually unnecessary .

1. Begin making tight wraps of wire around the entire body of the fly. The first 5 or 6 wraps will be difficult but after that it should become pretty easy. If you need to, use your finger nail to slide the wire wraps closer together after every 2 or three wraps.

2. Stop wrapping the wire with enough bare body left over between the wire and bead head to fit another bead into. Trap the wire underneath your thread, make several wraps, and break the wire off close to the body.

1. Take two strands of Natural Peacock Herl and break off about an inch from the tips. This is important because the ends of the herl are very brittle and will break while you are wrapping them around the fly.

2. Lay just the tips of the herl on top of the bare thread body and secure them with 3 or 4 wraps of thread. Place the herl so that the length of the peacock is above the wire body, as shown in the picture. This will allow you to begin wrapping the herl right next to the wire.

3. Now begin wrapping the Peacock Herl around the thread body while keeping each strand close to the other, it should only take about 4 or 5 wraps to create a full looking collar.

Finish the fly by trapping the Peacock Herl with the thread and making 3 or 4 wraps. Trim the excess herl and make two three turn Whip Finishes right behind the bead. I personally apply no head cement to Brassies as I find it makes the Peacock Herl lose it's natural look. Cut the thread and you're finished!

If you have any Fly Tying requests, leave a comment and I'll see what I can do!