Tying a Snake Fly with Davie McPhail

Snake flies are large fly patterns made from a long length of rabbit zonker strip. They're not to be confused with the snake flies fished by sea trout anglers, which are very different. Snakes first became popular in the Midland reservoirs during fry bashing season, several years ago. They quickly caught on elsewhere, as they proved effective for targeting larger fish - Browns and Rainbows - but it's said they were initially one of those secret patterns that competition anglers tried to keep under wraps to prevent them losing their effectiveness. Traditional Snake Flies are tied with silver bead eyes, but as Davie McPhail explains, you are free to use any colour bead eye you want.

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 CDC Chocolate Drop/Brown Caddis, with the guidance of Davie McPhail.




Materials Used:
Line: 20lb Braid Hooks: Size 8 Thread: Black Uni-8/0 Body: Black Rabbit Dubbing Wing: Black Rabbit Zonker Strip, Silver and Gold Flash Eyes: Silver or Chartreuse Chain Bead Eyes Head: Black Glister Dubbing

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!