Fly Tying Inventory
Klinkhamer Special
A revolutionary emerger/dry fly hybrid designed by Hans van Klinken in 1984 for targeting grayling and trout. The curved hook suspends the abdomen below the surface while the parachute hackle and wing post keep the fly partially above water, perfectly imitating a struggling emerging insect trapped in the surface film. Deadly effective during caddis and mayfly hatches from spring through autumn, especially in riffly water.
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Materials
Curved shank emerger hook (Partridge GRS15BN, Daiichi 1160), sizes 8-18
Tan, olive, or black 8/0 (70 denier)
Tan, olive, or brown seal's fur dubbing or synthetic dubbing
Peacock herl (3 strands)
White poly yarn, tied upright
Grizzly, brown, or blue dun cock hackle, parachute style
How to Tie the Klinkhamer Special
- 1
Step 1
Mount the curved hook and start thread at the bend area.
The curved hook is essential — it creates the subsurface abdomen profile.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in white poly yarn at the midpoint of the shank as an upright wing post.
The post should be prominent for visibility — trim to about 1 cm.
- 3
Step 3
Attach a hackle feather to the base of the wing post, stem pointing upward.
- 4
Step 4
Dub a slim, tapered abdomen along the curved shank from the bend to the wing post.
This section hangs below the surface — keep it slim and well-tapered.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in 3 strands of peacock herl and wrap a robust thorax just in front of the abdomen.
- 6
Step 6
Wrap the hackle parachute-style around the wing post, 4-6 turns, working downward.
- 7
Step 7
Secure the hackle, build a small head, whip finish, and apply head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDUs5wjXUuQ
Credit: Hans van Klinken (1984)