Fly Tying Inventory
Renegade
A classic American attractor pattern designed by Taylor 'Beartracks' Williams in 1928 on Idaho's Malad River. Williams, a guide and friend of Ernest Hemingway, created this unique fore-and-aft hackle design with a peacock herl body. The brown rear hackle provides stability while the white front hackle offers excellent visibility. The Renegade doesn't imitate a specific insect but can suggest midges, mayfly spinners, or terrestrials depending on how it is fished.
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Materials
Standard dry fly hook (TMC 100), sizes 10-18
Black 6/0 or 8/0
Gold Mylar tinsel, small tag at the bend
Brown rooster hackle, 5-6 turns
Peacock herl
White rooster hackle, 5-6 turns
How to Tie the Renegade
- 1
Step 1
Mount hook and start black thread at the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in a small piece of gold Mylar tinsel and wrap a short tag at the bend.
The gold tag adds a subtle flash that triggers strikes.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in brown rooster hackle and wind 5-6 turns to form the rear hackle collar. Secure and trim.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in 3-5 strands of peacock herl and wrap forward to the 2/3 point to form the body.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in white rooster hackle and wind 5-6 turns to form the front hackle collar.
The white front hackle should be slightly larger than the rear brown for extra visibility and flotation.
- 6
Step 6
Build a small thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyPjZV7P_lk
Credit: Taylor 'Beartracks' Williams (1928), Idaho