Tying the Poacher Wet Fly: A Classic Baitfish Imitation

The Poacher Wet Fly is a timeless baitfish imitation designed to attract predatory fish like trout, salmon, and steelhead. This guide provides its recipe, tying steps, and tips on fishing it effectively in various waters.

The Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to tie The Poacher Wet Fly:

Hook: Kamasan B175 size 14.
Thread: Uni-8/0 Dark Brown or Black.
Tail: Natural or Dyed Orange Golden Pheasant Breast Fibres.
Rib: Small Copper Wire.
Body: Orange Floss and Natural Peacock.
Hackle: Natural Brown/Red Cock or Hen.

How to Tie The Poacher Wet Fly

Follow these steps to tie this effective wet fly:

Secure the Kamasan B175 size 14 hook in your vise and start the thread at the hook eye, wrapping a base layer to the bend.
Tie in the Natural or Dyed Orange Golden Pheasant Breast Fibres at the bend to form the tail.
Attach the Small Copper Wire ribbing at the same point and set it aside for later use.
Create the body by wrapping Orange Floss along the hook shank, followed by a wrap of Natural Peacock for added segmentation and shimmer.
Secure the ribbing and counter-wrap it forward over the body to enhance durability.
Tie in a Natural Brown/Red Cock or Hen hackle at the front, making a few wraps to form a collar.
Whip finish, trim excess materials, and apply head cement for durability.

How to Fish The Poacher Wet Fly

The Poacher Wet Fly is most effective when fished subsurface. Here are some tips:

Retrieve: Use a strip-and-pause retrieve to mimic a darting baitfish.
Presentation: Fish it on a swing in rivers or near drop-offs in stillwaters.
Depth: Use a sink-tip line or add split shot to reach deeper areas where predatory fish lurk.

The History of The Poacher Wet Fly

The Poacher Wet Fly originated as a baitfish imitation in traditional streamer designs. Its ability to mimic prey like minnows and juvenile trout made it a favorite among anglers targeting aggressive predatory fish in rivers and lakes. The fly's development is credited to early British fly tiers who sought to create an effective pattern for targeting larger fish in stillwaters and running streams. Over the years, it has evolved with modern materials to enhance its lifelike qualities.

Why The Poacher Wet Fly?

The Poacher Wet Fly’s versatility and proven effectiveness make it a staple in any angler’s fly box. Its lifelike movement and realistic design are sure to attract strikes from trout, salmon, and steelhead. Tie a few and see its power on your next fishing adventure!