Step 1: Secure thread to the hook and add a drop of head cement. Allow to dry and then tie in ostrich herl or other tail material on top of the hook shank, facing straight back. (By Lou Tabory)Lou Tabory
Tying the Snake Fly
Step 2: Removing the heavy, inflexible portion of the marabou quill, bunch the marabou together and tie down slightly behind the midpoint of the hook shank. Be sure to keep the wing on top of the hook shank. If you want to add subtle flash to the fly, add it between tying off the tail and tying in the wing.Lou Tabory
Tying the Snake Fly
Step 3: Begin spinning the deer-hair head, making sure to pack the hair back toward the hook bend. The empty barrel of a ball-point pen can be used as a stacker for this purpose.Lou Tabory
Tying the Snake Fly
Step 4: Repeat Step 3, spinning deer hair the length of the shank to the hook eye.Lou Tabory
Tying the Snake Fly
Step 5: Trim the head to the desired shape to mimic a specific forage species, using either serrated scissors or a razor blade. Whip-finish and then apply head cement.Lou Tabory
