The Dun Variant was first introduced to most anglers in Art Flick’s art flick Streamside Guide to Naturals and Their Imitations. The pattern bears a resemblance to British Spider flies, which also feature oversize hackle, but Flick’s Variant is more like an exaggerated version of the traditional Catskill dry. The oversize hackle and tails allow you to skitter the fly across the surface without the fly sinking, which can be a deadly tactic.
In his latest how-to video, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions shows you how to prepare the quills for the body, measure the hackles, and ensure that your fly has the right proportions.
Cream Variant
Hook: Standard dry-fly hook (here, a Dai-Riki #305), sizes 10-14.
Thread: Cream, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Tails: Coq de Leon fibers, 2 hooks shanks in length.
Body: White hackle stem, stripped and soaked in a warm bath.
Hackle: White, one hook size larger.
Head: Tying thread.