Tying the Kate McLaren Wet Fly: A Timeless Classic

The Kate McLaren wet fly is a staple in the fly boxes of trout and sea trout anglers worldwide. With its roots in Scotland, this fly is renowned for its effectiveness in loch and stillwater fishing. Its unique design and movement in the water make it irresistible to fish. This blog covers the recipe, material costs, tying instructions, fishing tips, and the history of this iconic pattern.

The Recipe

The Kate McLaren uses traditional materials that create a sleek and effective profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

Hook: Size 10–14 wet fly hook (e.g., Kamasan B175).
Thread: Black 8/0 or 6/0.
Tail: Golden pheasant crest feather.
Rib: Small oval silver tinsel.
Body: Black seal’s fur or substitute dubbing.
Body Hackle: Black cock saddle hackle.
Front Hackle: Ginger hen or cock hackle.

Cost of Materials

The materials for the Kate McLaren are cost-effective and long-lasting. Here’s a breakdown:

Hooks: $7.95 for 25 hooks ($0.32 per hook).
Thread: $3.29 per spool (cost per fly: $0.05).
Tail Material: $5.00 for golden pheasant crest feathers (cost per fly: $0.20).
Rib: $3.50 for tinsel (cost per fly: $0.05).
Body Dubbing: $3.00 per pack (cost per fly: $0.10).
Body Hackle: $20.00 per saddle (cost per fly: $0.20).
Front Hackle: $20.00 per cape (cost per fly: $0.20).

Total Cost per Fly: Approximately $1.12 CAD.

How to Tie the Kate McLaren

Follow these steps to tie this iconic wet fly:

Secure the hook in the vise and start the black thread, creating a smooth base down to the bend.
Tie in a golden pheasant crest feather at the bend for the tail.
Attach a length of silver tinsel for the rib and set it aside for later use.
Dub the black seal’s fur onto the thread and wrap it forward to form a tapered body.
Palmer a black cock saddle hackle along the body, securing it with the tinsel rib counter-wrapped forward.
Tie in a ginger hen or cock hackle at the front of the body and make a few turns to create a collar.
Finish with a neat thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement for durability.

How to Fish the Kate McLaren

The Kate McLaren is incredibly versatile and effective in various conditions. Here’s how to fish it:

Presentation: Fish it as part of a team of wet flies on a floating or intermediate line.
Retrieve: Use a slow, steady retrieve or let it drift naturally in the current.
Best Conditions: Overcast days with a ripple on the water are ideal, but it works well in many scenarios.
Target Species: Particularly effective for trout and sea trout.

The History of the Kate McLaren

The Kate McLaren originates from Scotland, where it was developed for loch fishing. Named after Kate McLaren, the pattern has stood the test of time due to its simplicity and effectiveness. It remains a favorite for anglers targeting trout and sea trout, both in stillwaters and rivers.

Why the Kate McLaren?

The Kate McLaren wet fly is a testament to the timelessness of traditional fly patterns. Its ease of tying, affordability, and effectiveness make it a must-have in any angler’s fly box. Whether you’re fishing in Scotland or anywhere else, this fly is sure to deliver results. Tie a few, hit the water, and experience the magic of the Kate McLaren for yourself!