Doc Spratley

Materials

How to Tie the Doc Spratley

1. 1

   Step 1

   Secure the hook in the vise and start black thread behind the eye. Wrap back to the bend.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in a sparse bunch of grizzly hackle fibers for the tail, slightly less than hook-shank length.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in oval silver tinsel for ribbing at the tail. Then tie in black wool or chenille and wrap forward to form a smooth body, stopping about two eye-lengths behind the hook eye. Secure and trim.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Wind the silver tinsel forward in 4-6 open, evenly spaced turns. Tie off and trim.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Tie in a small bunch of grizzly hackle fibers as a beard/throat under the hook, reaching just past the hook point. Alternatively, tie in a grizzly hackle and make 2-3 wraps as a collar, sweeping fibers back.

   A beard-style throat gives a cleaner profile for stillwater retrieves, while a full collar adds more movement.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Take a small bunch of ringneck pheasant tail fibers. Align the tips, measure to the end of the tail, and tie in on top as the wing.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Tie in 2-3 strands of peacock herl by the tips. Wrap a neat, prominent head with the herl. Tie off securely and whip finish.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Apply head cement to the thread wraps beneath the peacock herl head for durability.