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Bear Andrews Flies: | Steelhead Patterns II | Traditional Patterns

Bear developed these patterns for steelhead fishing in the Great Lakes Region, but has found them effective for trout, salmon, and other species as well. Almost every steelhead angler in Michigan is carrying some of Bear's patterns in the flybox.
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Crystal Egg
A highly effective egg pattern that outfishes glo bugs any day.

Hook: Dai-Riki #135 size 8
Thread: Florescent orange to green, depending on egg color
Tail: 3 strands of Pearl Krystal Flash
Body: Estaz in the color of choice
Wing: Wisp of white egg yarn

 

Bear's Hex

Hook: Dai-Ichi #1730 size 4-8
Thread: Tan Uni-thread 8/0
Tail: 3 fibers from an Emu feather
Ribbing: Mono or fine gold wire
Dubbing: Spirit river squirrel blend in sulfur or dirty yellow
Gills: Aftershaft from pheasant feather
Back and Wing Case: Pheasant tail fibers coated with flexi-seal
Legs: Tan or brown hen saddle palmered 3 or 4 turns
Eyes: Spirit River Mono or make by burning mono

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Jeff "Bear" Andrews was one of the first anglers to capitalize on the fact that Steelhead love Hexagenia limbata nymphs. He has developed many patterns, his favorite being Bear's Hex.

 

PM Caddis
Possibly the most effective steelhead nymph ever, the PM Caddis is an easy to tie imitation of the Rhyacophila caddis larvae that get dislodged from the gravel when steelhead are spawning.

Hook: Dai-Riki #135 size 8-14
Thread: Dun or tan Uni-thread
Body: Chartreuse or light green larva lace
Hackle: Grizzly-dyed brown hen saddle
Thorax: Tan Hare's Ear blend

 

Dusty's Fuzzbuster

Hook: Dai-Ichi #1530 size 6-8
Thread: Uni-thread 8/0 to match body
Tail: The fluff from base of hen saddle
Ribbing: Fine gold or silver wire
Back and Wing Case: Pheasant tail fibers coated with flexi-seal
Abdomen: Ostrich Herl
Thorax: Hen saddle
Eyes: Spirit River Mono or make by burning mono

 

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Bear's Pheasant Tail

Hook: Dai-Riki #135 size 10-14
Thread: Brown or tan Uni-thread 8/0
Tail and Abdomen: Pheasant tail
Ribbing: Copper wire
Wing Case: Pheasant tail coated with flexi-seal
Thorax: Peacock Herl
Hackle: Pheasant rump collared sparrow-style*
Eyes: Spirit River Mono or burn your own

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*After I have tied in the collar of Pheasant Rump and tied in the eyes, I tie in and wrap the a collar of Pheasant Aftershaft Feather in front of and between the eyes before pulling the wing case forward.

 

Hare's Ear Sparrow

Hook: Dai-Riki #1530 size 10-14
Thread: Uni-thread 8/0 to match body
Tail: Fluff from base of pheasant rump feather
Ribbing: Medium gold mylar tinsel
Body: Hare's ear dubbing in tan, olive, black, or any other color
Hackle: Pheasant rump
Collar: Aftershaft feather from pheasant rump

 

Ben Stone

Hook: Dai-Riki #1530 size 10-14
Thread: Black Uni-thread 8/0
Tail: Black pheasant tail
Body: Black craft wire from Ben Franklin
Wing Case: Black pheasant tail coated with flexi-seal
Thorax: Peacock Herl
Hackle: Black pheasant rump
Eyes: Spirit River Mono or burn your own

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