Fly Tying Inventory
Rusty Rat
A classic Atlantic salmon fly from the famous RAT series created by Roy Angus Thompson. This essential salmon pattern features a floss body with peacock herl and fox fur, and is a must-have fly for salmon rivers throughout Eastern Canada and beyond.
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Materials
Salmon hook, size 2-10 (e.g., Daiichi 2151 or Partridge M2)
Red 6/0 or 8/0
Oval gold tinsel
Peacock sword fibers, 4-6 strands
Rusty orange floss, wrapped smooth
Peacock herl, 2-3 strands twisted together
Oval gold tinsel
Gray fox or red fox guard hairs, sparse
How to Tie the Rusty Rat
- 1
Step 1
Secure the salmon hook in the vise and start red thread. Wrap a neat tag of oval gold tinsel at the rear.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in 4-6 peacock sword fibers for the tail, extending about one hook-gap beyond the bend.
- 3
Step 3
Attach oval gold tinsel for ribbing along the shank.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in rusty orange floss and wrap a smooth rear body covering the back half of the shank.
Keep the floss flat and unwound for the smoothest finish.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in 2-3 peacock herls, twist them together, and wrap the front body half. Secure and trim.
- 6
Step 6
Wind the gold tinsel rib forward through both body sections in evenly spaced turns. Secure and trim.
- 7
Step 7
Select a small, sparse bunch of gray fox guard hairs. Stack to even the tips and tie in as a wing extending just past the bend.
- 8
Step 8
Build a neat red thread head, whip finish, and apply 2-3 coats of head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLdeQ9fGWSk
Credit: Roy Angus Thompson / FFI Fly Tying Skills Award Program (Gold Award)