Tying the UV Skinny Dip Shuttlecock with Davie McPhail

The Shuttlecock epitomises the use of Cul-De-Canard in modern stillwater Trout flies. By combining a slim, quick-sinking abdomen with a dense plume of CDC Feather, the pattern imitates brilliantly the chironomid midge pupa as it transforms into the winged adult. These flies sit perfectly on the surface of the water, especially when Trout are rising. The way it works is the CDC plume keeps the fly sitting on the surface, whilst the body sinks and remains under the surface, imitating a hatching adult midge. Davie McPhails take on this fly, removes the Body of the fly and because of this, it allows the hook to self correct itself and display perfect for any hungry Trout.

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. Time to tie the UV Skinny Dip Shuttlecock Fly, with the guidance of Davie McPhail.




Materials Used:
Hook: Fulling Mill Super Grub Heavyweight size 16 Thread: Uni-8/0 Black Body: None Tag: Red Holographic Tinsel Thorax: Diamond-Brite UV Black or Similar Wing: 2 Natural CDC Feathers

Additional materials: Additionally, Davie made use of Varnish, which he applied to the thread after completing the fly.

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