Higa’s S.O.S is a pattern created by guide and former Orvis News Trout Bum of the Week Spencer Higa, who is the Fishing Manager for Falcon’s Ledge, in Altamont, Utah. Although Spencer originally tied it as a Baetis imitation, it has proven itself as a prospecting pattern in waters all over the country, as well. For a good indication of how popular the fly has become, read the reviews for the pattern on orvis.com, where it has a 5-star rating, and check out these photos of an S.O.S.-caught brown trout.
In this video, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions walks you through the tying process, while offering a couple of tweaks to Spencer’s original pattern As usual, he also has a few tricks to demonstrate, such as how to handle small beads and how to get the legs just right.
Higa’s S.O.S.
Hook: 2X-short Emerger Hook (here a Dai-Riki #125), sizes 16-20.
Bead: Nickel, 5/64-inch.
Thread: Black, 70-denier or 8/0.
Rib: Silver Ultra Wire, small.
Tail: Black pheasant tail.
Wingcase: Red Holo Tinsel, medium (or red floss).
Thorax: Black Australian-possum dubbing.
Legs: Black Krystal Flash, two strands.
Adhesive: Head cement.