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Sliver Hilton, Peacock

Silver Hilton variation with peacock body

Recipe:

Hook:4-10 Mustad 7999
Thread:Black
Tail:Teal
Body:Peacock Herl
Rib:Oval Silver Tinsel
Wing:Two broad grizzle hackles, splayed
Hackle:Grizzle

Uses:

This is a popular variation on the 1930's steelhead pattern, the Silver Hilton. This traditional fly still works for steelheaders today.

How to fish:

You can fish this on a dead drift, or a traditional wetfly swing. It is particularly useful in low clear water.

Notes

Tying: The wing is tied by pairing the hackles convex sides innermost so the feathers splay slightly, and/or by setting them apart when you catch them in.

Variations: The original has a black chenille body with a flat silver rib and a tail of mallard flank.

Bibliography: Advanced Fly Fishing for Steelhead, 1992, Deke Meyer, Fank Amato Publications, ISBN 1-878175-10-6.