The Longhorn

Tied by John Johnson
Photo by John Johnson

This fly pattern is a new terrestrial developed by Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, Montana. It is a highly visible dry fly that can imitate a beetle, cricket or large ant. When I fished on the Rio San Antonio on the Valles Caldera recently, it was the most successful fly. The materials that are unique to this fly can be purchased from Blue Ribbon Flies at (406) 646 7642 or online at http://www.blueribbonflies.com

Hook: Size 10 dry fly hook
Body: Longhorn green zelon dubbing
Wing: Bleached deer or elk hair
Foamback: Chartreuse/Black Tiger strips
Legs: black rubber legs
Antennae: Pheasant tail dyed Krystal Flash

Attach thread. Tie in Tiger Strip at the rear of the hook with tag end extending backward. Dub body to half way point. Pull Tiger Strip end forward, tie down at half way point, leaving new tag end extending over the hook eye.

At the midway point of the shank, tie in a rubber leg on either side. Tie in deer or elk hair wing with a length ½ the rear portion of the body.

Dub the rest of the body. Tie in 2 strands of Krystal Flash for antennae, extending ¾” in front of the hook eye. Pull Tiger Strip tag end forward, tie off behind the eye, and whip finish.