How to tie a Col. Downman Diawl-Bach with Davie McPhail

This week, Davie demonstrates a Col. Downman Diawl-Bach, named as such because of the Black with red tail pattern resembling a traditional wet-fly known as the Col. Downman, which has been repurposed and tied in the style of a Diawl-Bach. The result is a fly that is extremely potent for catching early season Midge, similar to a duckfly. Similar flies include the Fulling Mill Diawl-Bach Fancy Red or the Fulling Mill Pseudo DB Black Red Holo.

All of the materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Centre as listed below, but as always if you need any help finding materials or substitutes then we'll be happy to help. Without further ado, here's Davie McPhail tying the fusion known as the Col. Downman Diawl-Bach.



Materials Used:
Hook: Fulling Mill 31530 Competition Heavyweight Sz10
Thread: Uni Thread 8/0 - Black
Tail: Veniard - Dyed Red Golden Pheasant
Rib: Uni - French Oval, Silver/Small
Body: Dyed Black Peacock Herl
Thorax Cover: Uni Pearl Mylar #14
Throat: Black Indian Hen or Black Indian Cock, could also use hackle fibres dyed Grey.
Wing-Buds: Jungle Cock Cape, Jungle Cock Substitute or Goose Biots
Additional materials: Additionally, Davie made use of Fulling Mill Super Glue, UV Cured Resin and Varnish to finish and polish his fly.

Davie's preferred type of whip finish tool can be found HERE!