Dahlberg Diver

Materials

How to Tie the Dahlberg Diver

1. 1

   Step 1

   Wrap thread from the hook eye to near the bend, building a solid base.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Select a clump of white marabou and tie in at the bend for the tail. Add two grizzly hackle feathers over the marabou, splaying slightly.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Add several strands of Krystal Flash or Flashabou on each side of the tail for attraction.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Select a pencil-thick clump of deer hair and tie in at the base of the tail. Make loose wraps then tighten to flare and spin the hair around the shank. Pack tightly.

   Practice spinning deer hair on scrap hooks first. Use a hair stacker and packer for tight, even results.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Continue spinning successive clumps of deer hair, packing tightly, building the head forward to about 1/8 inch behind the hook eye.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Optionally tie in a 16-20 lb monofilament weed guard at the hook eye before finishing.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Whip finish behind the eye and apply head cement.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Remove from vise and trim the spun deer hair into a wedge-shaped head with a flat belly and a cupped or concave face. Keep sides and top rounded and leave a robust collar at the rear.

   The cupped face is what makes the fly dive and pop. Use sharp scissors or a razor blade for clean shaping.