Tying the EP Sparkle Dun

For years I've worked on perfecting my Sparkle Duns, struggling with deer hair and always searching for the correct piece of deer hair. This version of a Sparkle Dun, using 100% synthetic materials, is almost like cheating. It's simple to tie, has a beautifully clean profile, and eliminates searching for the perfect piece of deer hair, stacking the hair, and hoping the resulting wing comes out OK. And I am almost afraid to admit that it is as durable, visible, and effective as the original.
EP Fiber Olive Sparkle Dun
Hook: Size 18-24 Bigeye dry fly hook
Thread: Olive 12/0
Tail/shuck: Brown EP Trigger Point Fibers
Body: Mixed olive and brown Spectrablend dry fly dubbing
Wing: Medium gray EP Trigger Point Fiber

[@CESmith-hu2yg]

Hi Tom
Chuck Smith here from the old days up in Syracuse.
I've been a LONG time visitor to your numerous websites and enjoy your presentations
It brings me back to the "old days" up here [and your tying class in the back room of our favorite fly shop ]
You will always be a mentor to me and wishing your and yours all the best
Love your videos and also the "tie-offs" with Mr. Flagler
So glad you have modified this pattern; although very successful for me in the past; it is a welcome modification and look forward to trying it out this season
Take care.
Chuck

[@orvis]

Q:What's the biggest fish you ever caught? A: Northern pike

[@chrisnystrom8466]

In regards to @bobsteenrod5851 question, "Why not just tie full wing in a comparadun style to maintain better stability on the surface" -
I guess it's all in what "attitude" you're hoping your fly takes on the water. The original Comparadun and Sparkle Dun patterns appear to have been tied with the idea that you wanted a 180-degree "fan" of deer hair fibers, thereby fully supporting the body to ride on, or just in, the surface film. Both flies (Comparadun and Sparkle Dun) have been proven to be absolutely fantastic at fooling trout, particularly during hatches. This version that Tom ties makes no effort to ensure the wing material supports the body on, or just in, the surface film. In fact, the two methods he incorporates for attaching / mounting the wing (figure-eighting and then posting) pretty much ensure the material will not give a full 180-degree fan that attempts to support the body in the same way. So, this body is obviously going to ride lower, perhaps even partially or mostly submerged. The forerunner to the Comparadun, Francis Better's Haystack, typically did not show a full 180-degree fan of deer hair fibers for the wing (color variations of the Haystack, as tied by Francis Betters, can be seen at flytierspage). They appear to show a wing that sports perhaps a 110-140 degree fan, much like Tom's pattern does. Apparently this style of wing, while allowing the fly's body to ride lower in (or possibly below) the surface film than a 180-degree Comparadun style wing, is very effective at fooling trout. I have a suggestion for renaming Tom's fly; how about a "SWAT Haystack" (Synthetic Wing And Tail)?

[@louislajoie5861]

Louis from Frederick Md

[@bobsteenrod5951]

Why not just tie the full wing in a comparadon style to maintain better stability on the surface

[@chrisnystrom8466]

Interesting question.