Salmon tube flies

Many of the classic patterns are now being replaced by simple flies tied onto tubes.

These so-called tube flies have decisive advantages!

The hook is inserted into the tube. When a fish takes the fly, the tube usually slides upwards, leaving the salmon hooked only on the single or multiple hooks, which are usually short.

This eliminates the leverage effect of the hook, which often means loosing the fish.

Furthermore, if the hook is damaged (which is common when fishing in rocky terrain), only the hook needs to be replaced, rather than the entire fly.

Hitching

‘Hitching’ also entices fish that are reluctant to rise to the surface.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t familiar with this method of fishing when I was fishing on the Gaula during low water many years ago ((!!).

This method is not only very effective, but also exciting. For quite often you see salmon coming up for the fly.

The trick here is to thread the leader sideways through a hole just behind the fly’s head out of the tube, or – with standard flies – to make another overhand knot.

This creates significant drag, which pulls the fly upwards and produces a characteristic, attractive wave pattern (V) as it drags through the water.

Turning a tube fly into a hitching fly is very simple: simply use a hot needle to make a hole on either side of the tube just behind the fly’s head – the leader is then threaded through one of these holes, always on the side facing you when you hold the fly upwards relative to the direction of the current.

Further information and details on the hitching method can be found in the excellent article "The Hitch-fishers Guide" by Ueli Zellweger (Flyfishing and Flytying – www.flyfishing-and-flytying.co.uk – August 2024 issue)

Sunray Shadow

Sunray Shadow

This fly is used to catch the really big salmon. A classic pattern tied with black goat hair, but with a few red hairs and some flash, which makes it even more attractive.

The legendary Sunray Shadow salmon tube fly was created in the early 1960s by British angler Ray Brooks on Norway’s clear Lærdal River. Named after Brooks' riverside property, Sunray Lodge, the fly evolved from traditional patterns like the Collie Dog. It uses an ultra-long, flowing wing to mimic a swimming eel or small fish.

Tube 1 1/2 Inch, wing lenght 10 cm.

SFr. 8.50/pcs

Collie Dog tube fly

Collie Dog

A success for over 100 years and still the most reliable salmon fly of all.

The Collie Dog is a classic Scottish salmon fly from the late 19th century. It is widely considered one of the very first hair-wing salmon flies. Originally tied on single or double hooks using hair from farm collies.

Tied on tubes of different sizes, available wing lenghts are from 1/2 inch to 4 inch.

Grösse/ grandeur/ size

1/2 inch CHF 6.20 1 inch CHF 6.50 2 inch CHF 7.20 3 inch CHF 7.50 4 inch CHF 7.70