Tying a Coho Bucktail Tube Fly Tying Video with Steve Farrar’s Blend – BC Needlefish

Trolling Bucktail style flies tied on Tubes was very common during the glory days of ocean Silver Salmon recreational fisheries of the 1950s – 1980s from Northern California through SE Alaska. Regions like Puget Sound and Vancouver Island spawned many versions of Coho Tube flies that had local followings and rationale for the selection of one pattern over another. Near as I can tell, fly anglers used these tube Bucktail flies to troll as well as cast to feeding Coho in saltwater. The various fly patterns are sometimes suggestive of a natural baitfish and sometimes just wild bright flashy fish strike attractors.

This Tube Bucktail is a simple pattern inspired by several flies I have seen popularized by BC anglers specifically imitating big Needlefish. The Steve Farrar’s Blend material is easy to work with, durable, and swims your fly true, without the worry of needing to select the perfect Bucktail hair.

Jay Nicholas

The BC Needlefish Tube Fly

Fly 8

Overall Length: 4” – 5”
Tube: Pro Sportfisher Nano Tube Clear
Hook Guide: Pro Sportfisher XL Clear
Hook: #2/0 Gamakatsu SL 12 Big Game
Thread: Fine mono
Body: Pearl Diamond Flat Braid
Lateral Line: Lateral Flash
Flash Under Wing: Cascade Crest Med Green Everglow Tubing unraveled
Under Wing: Steve Farrar’s Blend – UV White
Over Wing: Steve Farrar’s Blend – Bleeding Black
Topping: Flashabou Accent – Purple #55082
Eyes: 5/16 Adhesive Holographic Eyes – Red
Cure Goo: Hydro and Tack Free

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2 Responses to Tying a Coho Bucktail Tube Fly Tying Video with Steve Farrar’s Blend – BC Needlefish

  1. Two dogs says:

    Another sweet fly. Can’t wait to get it in the water! Again, thanks for sharing.

  2. Andrew says:

    Very nice tie and informative video. I have yet to break into the tube mania myself, but enjoyed this quite a lot. Thanks for sharing!

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