| Hook: | 4-8 Mustad 7999 |
| Thread: | Black |
| Tail: | Peacock Sword |
| Body: | 1/3 red silk, 2/3 peacock herl |
| Wing: | Silver Badger hackle |
| Hackle: | Silver Badger |
This tying of the pattern is fished for steelhead, though originally the Spruce was developed to catch sea-run cuttthroat. Tied on a standard streamer hook the Spruce is used for other species including rainbow and brown trout.
Use a traditional wetfly swing.
History: Back in 1918 the Spruce was originally called the Godfrey Badger Hackle or Godfrey Special after a Mr. Godfrey to whom the pattern is now credited.
Variations: The most original dressing of the Spruce is tied on a regular streamer hook with red wool (1/4) and peacock (3/4) body with splayed wings (E.H. Rosborough). This, and the version illustrated are sometimes referred to as the Light Spruce. A Dark Spruce variation replaces the silver badger hackles with golden badger or furnace. The pattern can also include a silver tag and a head over wrapped with red thread.
Bibliography: Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing, 1995, Joseph D Bates,Jr., Stackpole Books, ISBN 0-8117-1702-X. Streamers and Bucktails, the Big-Fish Flies, 1980, Joseph D Bates, Jr., Random House Inc., ISBN 0394415884.