Dubbing advice, tight vs fuzzy

Kms

Active member
Joined
Apr 24, 2024
Messages
161
City
Montgomery County
So I’ve been trying to tie purple haze, and I made two versions, the first with a CDL tail and tighter dubbing, and the second with a gold shuck and buggier dubbing.

Both are too thick with too many wraps, but putting aside my beginner technique, which would folks think is more attractive to fish, tight or fuzzy?

IMG_3942.jpeg
IMG_3958.jpeg
 
It has nothing to do with fish catching ability but assuming I am imitating a real bug, I like a skinny body like the real bug.

What the fish like depends on the fish...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kms
What size are those hooks and what kind of vise is that? You really shouldn't be burying your hook points in the vise it will weaken and dull them. The hook should be clamped at the bottom of the bend.

Something looks off with that vise though, or those are some super small hooks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kms
Dear kms,

Dub everything tight and neat. If you want fuzzy an old toothbrush can make that happen quickly by scruffing up the tight dubbing. Rinse the old toothpaste off first though!

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂
 
Dear @Kms,
Two questions on this fly…
What are you using for the purple colored material?
What color thread are you using?

I’ll get back to you on why I’m asking later.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kms
Tie nymph bodies tight and sleek or fuzzy. Burring nymphs have gills down most of the length of its body. Other nymphs do not. So collect some nymphs from your stream you are fishing, including burring nymphs such as ephoron leukon ( white fly) and other burring nymphs as well as what you find under rock and debris. This can help with tying better imitations of the fish are eating.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kms
What size are those hooks and what kind of vise is that? You really shouldn't be burying your hook points in the vise it will weaken and dull them. The hook should be clamped at the bottom of the bend.

Something looks off with that vise though, or those are some super small hooks.
The hooks are small, size 19. I’ve ordered midge jaws, but until they arrive I’m working with what I have.
 
Dear @Kms,
Two questions on this fly…
What are you using for the purple colored material?
What color thread are you using?

I’ll get back to you on why I’m asking later.
I’m using two versions of Hareline UV2 dubbing with two different colors of Veevus 50D GSP thread: the first uses chartreuse, the second black.
 
I’m using two versions of Hareline UV2 dubbing with two different colors of Veevus 50D GSP thread: the first uses chartreuse, the second black.
Thanks….
From the top photo I see a type of plastic dubbing that I know doesn’t lend itself to laying down flat. The Ice Dub material is great for fuzzy gills, but it is super difficult to make into a tight body.

I am a fan of Wapsi superfine dubbing or a natural hair dubbing for my dries. You can get a very tight dubbing noodle on your thread which then translates into a tight body on the fly.

Keep tying!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kms
It is my understanding that the original purple haze is tied with purple floss or Uni Stretch. Of course it can be tied with dubbing or even thread. Dry fly patterns tend to be slim.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kms
I like those graphics, but like I said, there are always exceptions.

I tie all of my dry flies with a tail the full length of the hook plus one eye. Mayfly tails are way longer than people typically tie them.

Also wing placement can vary. Sometimes they are set back further than others. Minor detail that probably doesn't matter 100% of the time but I like to get fussy about certain things.
 
Get in the habit of making tight uniform and tapered dubbing noodles that go on in a classic carrot shape- this applies to nymphs as much as it does to dry flies.

Dubbing should always go on tight- on nymphs thin to win = faster drop rate and better durability. If you want it buggy, you brush the fibers out after the fact (which also gives you good control of where exactly it’s buggy). Using aids such as dubbing wax, dubbing loops, etc will get you the body tapers we’re looking for in conjunction with using the right kinds of dubbing for each pattern you’re tying. There’s a reason we use hares ear for nymphs and beaver and rabbit for dries. It has to do with the microscopic properties of each type of fur and the presence of elements like guard hairs. Your aim should be for any fly you pull out of your box to look and fish exactly the same as the one you just lost on a big fish (otherwise how will you have confidence in it?). If things are too buggy, there is no way to make them consistent
 
Last edited:
I like those graphics, but like I said, there are always exceptions.

I tie all of my dry flies with a tail the full length of the hook plus one eye. Mayfly tails are way longer than people typically tie them.

Also wing placement can vary. Sometimes they are set back further than others. Minor detail that probably doesn't matter 100% of the time but I like to get fussy about certain things.
I agree 100%.
The images are just a reference and a place to start. I also love the thread “What are you tying today” for more inspiration.
 
While tight bodies are normal for dries, there are dries that are tied looser since hatching insects can be a mess. Usual and Dorato hare's ear are two that are tied buggier and work well. Buggy is not messy though -still need a nice silhouette. Is the Usual a mayfly imitation? I don't know but it often works well in sulphur hatches.

Thin dubbing takes practice. First, pull off the thinnest wisps of fur/dubbing you can. You should barely be able to see it. Then dub it on tight. The way most people dub the fur will loosen when wound. If it is loosening try tightening it while you wrap or learn to twist the opposite direction.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kms
While tight bodies are normal for dries, there are dries that are tied looser since hatching insects can be a mess. Usual and Dorato hare's ear are two that are tied buggier and work well. Buggy is not messy though -still need a nice silhouette. Is the Usual a mayfly imitation? I don't know but it often works well in sulphur hatches.

Thin dubbing takes practice. First, pull off the thinnest wisps of fur/dubbing you can. You should barely be able to see it. Then dub it on tight. The way most people dub the fur will loosen when wound. If it is loosening try tightening it while you wrap or learn to twist the opposite direction.

I don't have a source to cite, but I believe those big messy Fran Betters patterns were stonefly inspired, as the Ausable gets some heavy stonefly hatches.

Like you say, I'm sure it works well as an attractor in plenty of situations, as it's pretty dang buggy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kms
Back
Top