In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Martyn White Flicking Feathers shows us how to tie a staple terrestrial pattern for the dog days of summer, the Fat Albert.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
As we approach August, we also enter into one of the most exciting times of year: terrestrial fishing. Throwing big dry flies at banks can offer some of the most explosive and entertaining eats of the season. There are few things more enjoyable than seeing big trout rise carelessly for big bugs, and hopper season is a time when it can happen. The Fat Albert is one of those terrestrial patterns that you can chuck at the bank and have confidence in during the hot dog days of summer.
Being composed of mostly foam allows this fly to ride high and stay highly visible when in the water. Making sure the legs set in the correct positions can be important to these flies, especially since we are imitating hoppers with large rear legs. The Fat Albert is simple to tie yet productive, which makes it a staple hopper pattern right beside the Chubby Chernobyl and Morrish Hopper.
Whether tied as a single or in a dry dropper rig, the Fat Albert will produce fish. If thrown as a single, I personally like casting onto overhanging grass on the bank and wiggling it out so it falls like the real deal. This action will bring out the worst in hungry fish and undoubtedly result in a few eats. With the dog days of summer commencing, the Fat Albert will produce as those hatches slow and fish turn onto falling hoppers.
Ingredients:
- Hook: TMC 2302 or Other Hopper Hook
- Thread: Flat Waxed Nylon
- Body: 2mm Fly Foam
- Wing: Poly Yarn
- Legs: Medium Round Rubber
Now you know how to tie the Fat Albert!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Martyn White Flicking Feathers.
