Zoo Cougar

Materials

How to Tie the Zoo Cougar

1. 1

   Step 1

   Mount hook in vise. Start thread at the bend and tie in a full marabou plume as the tail, about one shank length.

   Use the fluffiest part of the marabou for maximum action.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Mix 6-8 strands of holographic Flashabou into the tail on both sides.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in sparkle chenille at the tail base and wrap forward to the 1/3 point of the shank. Tie off.

   Leave the front 1/3 of the shank clear for the deer hair head.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Tie in a schlappen feather and wind 2-3 turns as a collar in front of the chenille body. Stroke fibers rearward.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Switch to heavy 3/0 thread. Spin small clumps of deer hair around the front third of the shank, packing tightly between each clump.

   Use a hair packer to compress each clump before adding the next.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Continue spinning and packing deer hair until you reach just behind the hook eye. Whip finish against the eye.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Remove fly from vise and trim the deer hair head into a wide, flat sculpin shape — flat on the bottom, rounded on top and sides.

   Use a razor blade for the initial rough cuts, then fine-tune with scissors.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Apply head cement to the thread wraps at the hook eye.