Philip Rowley explains how to tie the Alaskabou style of steelhead fly called the Tequila Sunrise.
Be sure to check out Philip’s website, Fly Craft Angling.
Materials list:
Hook: Daiichi 2161 (#2/0-#06) or Alec Jackson Spey Salmon Hook (#5-#3/0)
Thread: MFC 8/0 or UTC 70 red
Body (Optional): Silver Mylar
First wing: Salmon marabou topped with pearlescent Crystal Flash
Second wing: Orange marabou topped with pearlescent Crystal Flash
Third wing: Same as the second
Collar: Red saddle or schlappen hackle
step 1
1) Start the tying thread about half way down the return wire of the hook eye. Move the tying thread back to close the wire return of the hook eye. Tie in the silver Mylar body material just behind the hook eye. Wind the Mylar back down the shank in close touching turns to the hook point. Advance the silver Mylar forward over itself in close touching turns to the tying thread. Tie off and trim the excess Mylar.
step 2
2) Wind the tying thread back over the Mylar body so it hangs at the 2/3rds mark of the shank. Tie a fine fibered salmon coloured strung marabou plume by the tip. Fold the marabou tip back over itself and bind in place. Leaving the tip section in adds reinforcement to the fragile tip area of the marabou plume.
step 3
3) Wind the marabou plume forward in close touching turns about half the distance to the hook eye. After each turn sweep back the marabou and release any trapped fibres. Tie off and trim the excess marabou. Tie in 6 strands of pearlescent Crystal Flash at their mid point. Fold the forward pointing section of Crystal Flash back over the marabou and tie in place. Trim the Crystal Flash slightly longer than the tips of the marabou wing.
step 4
4) Tie in an orange strung marabou plume by the tips using the same procedure as for the first marabou wing. Wind the orange marabou plume forward in close touching turns about half the distance to the hook eye. Tie off and trim the excess marabou. Use the scissors points to rake the marabou releasing any trapped fibres. Sweep back the marabou and secure in a swept back position. Tie in an additional 6 strands of pearlescent Crystal Flash in the same fashion as the previous application of Crystal Flash. Secure the forward facing strands of Crystal Flash back over the body. Trim the Crystal Flash slightly longer than the marabou wings.
step 5
5) Select a second orange strung marabou plume and tie in place by the tip. If possible, select a plume with slightly shorter fibres. Wind the marabou forward in close touching turns approximately half the distance to the hook eye. Tie off and trim the excess marabou.
step 6
6) Tie in a dyed red schlappen feather wet fly style, the convex side of the feather facing forward. Wind the feather one wrap directly in front of the previous 4 to 5 times. Tie off and trim the excess. Build a neat tapered head, whip finish and apply head cement. Using the thumb and forefinger pinch the head area to sweep and train the marabou and schlappen back along the hook.
