Tying the Sulphur Usual

[Matt Grobert]

Here's a great dry fly pattern most of you are probably familiar with that can be adapted for any of the mayflies simply by changing the size and body color. It's a variation of Fran Betters' Usual, which in itself is a great pattern. The primary difference here is that the body is colored to match a specific mayfly, and the tail is not snowshoe rabbit foot hairs. In this case, we used dyed yellow rabbit fur for the body, and the tail is woodduck flank fibers. I also tie these with a tail/shuck of zelon, and some with a tail of the guard hairs of the snowshoe foot, just as Fran used. It's one of my go-to patterns because it is very easy to tie and effective.

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This one is tied on a size #16, but most of the sulphurs we are seeing now are smaller, #18 and even 20's. I also tie some with a 50:50 yellow and orange mixed body, since that's a common color variation of the natural.

 

[golden beetle]

I am making a list of over-rated fly tyers who haven't sent me a signed copy of their book...

At the top of the list of over-rated loser fly tyers?

You guessed it.

1. Matt Grobert.

You want a good tying video?

Johnny Utah.

Beetle out.

 

[golden beetle]

So who is #2?

Andy Brasko is, appropriately, number 2 on Beetle's list of over-rated fly tyers.

So why is NEFFs own, Andy B, number two?

I could not imagine anyone more fitting of the title "number 2" than Andy.

But his recent "my blood pressure is off the charts!" rant where he said he thought he was having a heart attack puts Andy B (or is that A Brasko Fly Tyer???) near the top of the list.

Boo hoo!!!!

Cry me a river, you anus!

What a self important asshole!!

The truth is, all of Andy's stupid flies look the same.

The only difference is the color combinations.

So Andy B, how does it feel to be....

Number 2?

 

[nicklenuts]

You suck beetle

 

[emoussa]

Great video Matt I love these simple patterns. Are sulphurs still hatching? I haven't been fishing since early may, unfortunately:down:

 

[Barleywine]

Very nice tye and instruction Matt. I'm very fond of using snowshoe rabbit, but getting just the right consistency in the fur can be tricky at times. That's why it is good to see a video of exactly how to cut and handle the material to get that useful middle layer. Excellent job.

 

[golden beetle]

You suck beetle

Hey...

Was it your mom or your wife who came up with your username?

 

[golden beetle]

Sorry Andy.

My post went a bit too far.

Bestt to you.

 

[MikeValla]

HI Matt,

I'll bet that sulfur will float well, and do the trick. Great fly, Matt.

-Mike V.

 

[Matt Grobert]

Great video Matt I love these simple patterns. Are sulphurs still hatching? I haven't been fishing since early may, unfortunately:down:

They are still hatching but in fewer numbers in NJ. I would still carry some, and also the light cahills are hatching well right now at dusk, so tie this pattern in #12 with a cream body. Or go with the last pattern I posted, the extended body light cahill. I used it the other night and did wel with it.

Matt

 

[tomk6251]

Happy Father's Day, Matt, and to all the fathers out there.