Fly Tying Inventory
Chum Baby
A classic Pacific Northwest salmon fry imitation designed by Bob Triggs for targeting sea-run cutthroat and resident fish feeding on out-migrating chum fry. Features a silver tinsel body with sparse squirrel tail wing and peacock herl collar for natural movement in estuaries and beaches.
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Materials
Gamakatsu SS15 or Daiichi 2546, sizes 6-10
Small gold brass cone head, 4-5mm (optional)
Brown olive or black 6/0
Silver Mylar tinsel or body braid
4-6 strands pearl Krystal Flash plus 2 strands crystal flash
Sparse grey squirrel tail
3-4 peacock herls or Lite-Brite peacock
How to Tie the Chum Baby
- 1
Step 1
If using a cone head, slide it onto the hook. Secure the hook in the vise and start thread behind the cone or eye.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in silver Mylar tinsel or body braid at the bend. Wrap forward to create a smooth, bright silver body imitating a salmon fry's sides. Tie off.
A smooth, tight body better mimics the flashy sides of a juvenile salmon.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in 4-6 strands of pearl Krystal Flash and 2 strands of crystal flash on top, extending past the hook bend.
- 4
Step 4
Clean and stack a small bunch of grey squirrel tail hair. Tie in as a sparse wing on top, extending to the end of the flash.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in 3-4 peacock herls behind the cone/eye. Wrap to form a collar/thorax. Tie off and trim.
- 6
Step 6
Build a neat thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.
Optionally add parr marks with a black marker for extra realism.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4DkTl4pGTs
Credit: Bob Triggs / Washington Fly Fishing Community