Tying The Snake Fly (Black)

“The Snake Fly” is a pattern that has taken both the small waters and the reservoir scene apart over the last few years. It first became well known some 12-13 years ago circa 2005 when it was responsible for a number of double figure browns at the top of Rutland’s South Arm. Variations remained popular on the small water scene but are not allowed at a few venues for fear of damage to the fish stock. So always check that the fly is within the rules before fishing with it. This will avoid an uncomfortable conversation with the fishery owner later.
It is not a pattern that I look to often but at this time of year it can be devastating. I find personally it is best fished in a rolly polly style retrieve stopping every now and then to allow the fur to open out. Its during these pauses that the takes can come and the takes can be hard!

[@Check-Your-Fly]

Fantastic! I'm going to tie a few all black and a few all white with pearl flash. Maybe a are by shorter. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Some days the long ones work a treat I would suggest try a few with different lengths till you find the one you like best.

[@marcocapozzella]

Not a fly i would fish but been fun to learn the tying method, i did wonder about the tangles etc as the braid still has a fair amount of movement so i have added a bit extra by threading the braid through the smallest size pearl or silver Mylar piping seems to keep it a bit more rigid between front and back end and adds that extra bit flash along the bottom. cheers for sharing once again.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Hi Marco, Some folks just use backing braid to connect the two hooks and that works well. I am just not sure I want to compromise the mobility.

[@wansak2977]

Thanks sir , I'll ty a few today , nice fly, looks like getter, thanx again .

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Good luck!

[@MrJimmuck]

Hi Lindsay … to cut braid you really need braid shears but you can do it with a razor blade of craft knife … atb Jim

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thx Jim.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Great pattern Lindsay! Have there been any difficulties casting it? That should be great because of the larger fish eating bigger leeches. In one lake I have netted leeches nine or ten inches long!!

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Casts no problem on a #7 pal.

[@harryhudson5149]

Lindsay have you tried thin plastic covered wire instead of braid

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Hi Harry, yes tried the intruder stuff but found it a bit to rigid.

[@andywebster111]

Hi there me again, do the eyes on top not roll the fly over (upside down when fished ) Cat whiskers fly is tied with eyes under the hook eye to keep the fly on an even keel, just a thought from a fussy old so and so ha ha.Realy enjoying your sessions at the vice please keep them coming. Thanks.Cheers for the noo.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Hi Andrew, Personally I have never had a problem with this and the fly fishes great in the water, lots of movement.

[@nicolelewis1828]

Lindsay, I've been wanting to tie this fly! Thanks for this. Can I use Chameleon mono? Instead of that carp stuff?

[@lindsayiflyfish]

I have recently started using fly line backing its a bit stiffer and is much easier to manage when fishing these types of flies. Not sure you would get the same movement with mono.

[@petejubie7563]

what about super glue down the strip, and press the carp line into the glue?

[@lindsayiflyfish]

I have not tried that Pete, I will give it a go. I did think about putting a stitch in the line and thought the hide. In the end it was too much hassle.

[@andywebster111]

Ok that’s fine,cheers.

[@ghodges7492]

With the EYES On top Doesn't the fly run upside down

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Not on this one it would if the chain eyes were heavier.

[@Check-Your-Fly]

Wee bit shorter. I hate auto correct! Lol!

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Lol, happens to me all the time John.