Improved Grayling Slayer Fly Tying with Steve Cullen

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This week's pattern from Steve Cullen is the Improved Grayling Slayer, his own take on a popular grayling nymph with a few clever changes that he reckons make it even better than the original.

The Grayling Slayer has been around for a while, although its origins are a little less clear. Steve discusses the pattern's history in the video, including its connection to earlier suspender-style flies developed for brown trout before being adapted for grayling fishing.

Steve's version retains much of the original but introduces a finer gold wire rib, a gold tinsel back and a particularly bright pearl body material. The combination really stands out in clear, cold winter water, while the natural dubbing gives the fly a suitably scruffy, buggy appearance.

Improving the Original

One of the main changes is the use of a bright Body Fly Pearl, doubled over for extra strength and a more substantial body. Steve twists the material as he winds it forward, creating a bright, reflective finish that he particularly likes for winter grayling fishing.

A narrow strip of gold tinsel forms the back, while four or five turns of fine gold wire provide segmentation and help hold everything together. The natural dubbing underneath is a mixture of hare, squirrel and rabbit, giving the body a little movement and texture.

To finish, Steve adds a small amount of bright orange synthetic dubbing behind the copper bead. It's an effective little hotspot, but there's no need to overdo it. The dubbing underneath can be teased out  al little as can the orange thorax but don't overdo it you're after a nicely proporitoned but scruffy profile.

Materials Used

Looking for materials to tie your own? Browse our Fly Tying Hooks, Beads & Eyes, Dubbing and Threads, Yarns & Wires at FishingMegastore.com.

Watch Steve Tie the Improved Grayling Slayer

With its copper bead, flashy body and bright orange hotspot, this is a cracking little pattern for fishing close to the riverbed when the water temperature drops. It should be equally at home in a box of winter Grayling bugs or as a Trout nymph throughout the year.

As Steve says, give this improved version a try and see what you think!

For more materials, tools and fly tying inspiration, visit FishingMegastore.com or call into our Glasgow and Edinburgh stores.

Check out Steve's YouTube Channel Here: Steve Cullen Fly Fishing & Fly Tying

/ stevecullenfly      / steve.cullen.792

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