This shad fly is part of The Pfeiffer Collection.
Irv Swope’s Shad Fly is a classic pattern that has been fooling shad for decades. It’s a relatively simple fly to tie, but its effectiveness lies in its simplicity and the innate action of its materials.
Irv Swope’s Shad Fly Pattern Materials:
Hook: Size 6, 8, or 10, 3x long
Tail: Marabou color of your choice
Body: Wool color of your choice (I chose sparkle yarn)
Wing: Marabou color of your choice
Instructions:
- Tie in the Tail:
- Start by attaching your thread to the hook shank near the bend.
- Tie in a clump of marabou for the tail.
- Add the Body:
- Take a strand of wool yarn and tie it in just behind the tail.
- Wrap the yarn forward, covering the hook shank up to the eye. Leave a small gap for the wing.
- Tie in the Wing:
- Take a clump of marabou and tie it in just behind the hook eye.
- Fold the marabou forward and wrap it around the hook shank a few times to secure it.
- Finish the Head:
- Wrap the thread tightly around the hook shank to form a neat head.
- Whip-finish and clip the thread.
Tips:
- Experiment with different colors of marabou and wool yarn to find what works best in your local waters.
- The Irv Swope’s Shad Fly is a versatile pattern that can be adapted to target a variety of fish species.
- Practice tying this fly a few times to get the hang of it.
- Watch the video tutorial to see the process in action.