Classic Video: How to Tie the Klinkhåmer Special

Dutch fly tier Hans van Klinken first tied the pattern that bears his name in 1984, and the first place he fished it was Norway’s Glomma River. He calls it the Klinkhåmer Special, but it’s also often referred to as simply a Klinkhamer or Klinkhammer. Whatever you call it, the thing catches fish because of the way that the body hangs below the surface, imitating an emerging mayfly or midge. You can read a long explanation of how van Klinken came up with the fly, as well as how he ties it by clicking here.

In this instructional video, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions shows how he ties the Klinkhamer, and his methods of preparing and attaching each material are key to producing a perfect fly in an efficient manner. His technique for wrapping the hackle around the post is brilliant and it produces a great-looking Parachute pattern


          Klinkhåmer Special
          Hook: Orvis Czech Nymph Hook, size 12.
          Thread: Black, 6/0.
          Post/underbody: White polypropylene yarn.
          Body: Tan Super Fine dubbing.
          Thorax: Peacock herl.
          Hackle: Medium Dun dry-fly hackle, slightly oversize.
          Adhesive: Head cement.
          Tools: Bobbin with extra-long nozzle.
          Note: Change the colors to match the naturals.

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