
Cheech's SUS
A hackle stacker-style dry fly inspired by Higa's SOS nymph. The SUS (Suspiciously Underrated Standard) sits high on the water with a reverse hackle stacker profile, making it incredibly buoyant and visible. Effective for a wide range of surface-feeding situations.
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Materials
Fulling Mill 5065 Czech Nymph, Barbless, size 16
Pro Thread Flat 70 denier, black
India Hen Back feather fibers, black
UTC Ultra Wire, small, silver
Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Dub, Onyx (black)
Hareline Dubbin, red
Metz Select grizzly dry fly hackle, size 16
Fulling Mill Flex-Floss, red
How to Tie the Cheech's SUS
- 1
Step 1
Place the hook in the vise and start the black thread behind the eye, wrapping back to the hook bend.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in a sparse clump of India hen back fibers for the tail, keeping them about one hook gap in length.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in the silver UTC Ultra Wire at the bend for the rib.
- 4
Step 4
Wrap the thread forward to build a slim body, then counter-wrap the wire rib forward in evenly spaced turns. Tie off and trim.
- 5
Step 5
Dub a small ball of Onyx Ultra Dry Dub for the first thorax section.
- 6
Step 6
Switch to red dubbing or tie in the red Flex-Floss for a hot spot thorax section just behind the eye.
- 7
Step 7
Tie in the grizzly hackle and wrap it in a hackle stacker style—several turns stacked tightly, then push the fibers forward to splay out. Whip finish behind the hackle.
The hackle stacker technique creates a wide footprint on the water, making this fly incredibly buoyant.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8-Ptr3v_lE
Credit: Cheech / Fly Fish Food