Excellent article this past issue of FlyFisherman on tube flys. I have some that were tied for me by the Spey Lodge in BC but never used alot although I think that will change this year. Lani Waller had some great suggestions on hook placement, good info also on tying on copper tubes, aluminum tubes vs. plastic. Tube lengths, benefits of short shank hooks riding outside of fly for "nippers" etc...any opinions??

I like plastic tubes my self (OD 1/8) you can buy these tubes in packs of 24 each one 6 inches long at most Fly Shops. Then I put a piece of heat shirk (sp) tubing (1/8 ID, they use this in electrical wiring) this will hold your hook in the same place; both pieces are clear in color.

For hooks I like Gamakatsu SC15 short shank wide gap hook or SC16 (Circle Hook) perfect for tube flies (do a Google search to find both hooks).

Les Johnson has a nice book on tube flies you might want to check it out.

Use Daichi xpoint - X510 for tube hooks in various sizes. Also some Owners and Gamas in various sizes but most of the time use X 510s.

FL

Tying some two inch brass tubes, these look really too big, wonder how they are going to cast ?

I hear in Europe they use 3 inch brass tubes for salmon to get down deep at times, can't imagine using them.

1.5 inch looks about the largest size to use for me any way in copper, brass, and plastic bodies.

What about you fellows ?

FL

i was wondering if anyone could help me figure out how to tie marabou like on those tube flys do you wrap it or what pictures would be very helpfull and what is the best brand or kind of marabou to use for this thanks for your help

FL
I use some tubes (tube length) that are 3 inches long (Ed Ward’s Intruders) Ed was the one who told me about SC-15. Some of these flies are 4 to 5 inches long and cast like a dream with plastic tube bodies.

Here are some Intruders tied by Tyler

Wow they are big, never used or seen any one use flys that large here. Think you need a highly glacial or muddied river to throw those not our clear winter streams.

Have seen the Intruders before just never fished them, usually have to be small here.

FL

FL

Skagit, Sauk, "T", Snake, GR, Sky and the Stilly and many more. I've used these Tube flies.

This flie move like no other flie I ever seen

First Light -
Give those larger flies a try in clear water you may surprise yourself. Have had success with larger bugs in water with more than 15 feet of vis. On water where small is the normal a change of pace approach to a much larger/brighter fly can often be the key to extra fish or two.

Tight lines
S malma

Well maybe I will try some this year, but its going totally against what I has produced for me over the last 20 years. But then again they do chase big spinners, spoons, and plugs.

FL

I dont tie much with two little kids and a too many hours a week job so does anyone know where I could pick up some intruders as I have heard they are fantastic and I always have space in my flybox for a few new patterns:)

I've been using the plastic tubes on q-tips ...they're cheap and perfect. Melt the ends with a lighter to create a flange to keep your thread from slipping off. Steeliewater -I wrap marabou after spreading a little zap-a-gap on the thread-wrapped tube.

Actually yes, and frequently with a full or intermed. sink head line (Ian Gordan's 75 or 85 foot being the most 'popular'). That said, with this 'rig' you WILL relean how to roll a line to the surface and cast.

That said, I'm sure most PNW's will use a shorter head and 'skagit cast' these "Mon-Stor Fli's."

Sorry, I haven't followed the issue real close, but has anyone ever determined whether tube flies are legal on a fly fish only river like the North Fork of the Stilly? I was under the impression that per our Washington regs the material had to be tied on the hook itself. This may have been beat to death earlier and I just missed it?

That's what the rule say's