How the Greech targets trout with a simple fly recipe

Hook: 60-degree jig hook, size 10-14 (shown as size 12).

Bead: Silver, gold slotted tungsten bead sized to your hook (shown 1/8 inch).

Thread: Dark olive, 6/0.

Body: Olive simi-seal blend with chartreuse ice dubbing highlights.

Tail: Olive or yellow olive maribou with rootbeer Krystal Flash.

Tools: Dubbing spinner, dubbing brush, whip-finisher.

Tying instructions

Start by putting a thread base on your hook. Tie in a tail that is the length of the shank or a bit longer. Start tying in the tail at the base of the bead. This locks the bead in place and gives a good underbody for the fly. To get the accurate length for the tail, measure the maribou to length, hold the maribou near where you want to tie it in right behind the bead and then strip off the fluff at your tie-in point. This gives you a more solid tie-in point.

Hold the maribou on the top of the hook shank as you make slightly open wraps of thread, working back to the base of the tail. Tie in two strands of flash on each side of the tail.

Create a sparse dubbing noodle with your dubbing spinner. This fly is best when dubbing is sparse. Use a brush to fluff it out before you start wrapping. Wrap to the base of the bead and then secure with thread. Whip finish and use a touch of super glue or head cement to secure the finished wraps. Use a dubbing brush to fluff out the dubbing on the body of the fly.

How to fish it

This fly is great for targeting trout on Montana lakes, reservoirs and ponds, particularly when damsel flies are present. Though not a direct damsel fly imitation, this fly looks very enticing under an indicator. Look for weed beds in 6 to 12 feet of water, particularly if they are near willows or reeds where damsels will emerge. When fished under an indicator, the Greech will give a near horizontal presentation.

Do not be afraid to move this fly. Twitching the indicator is a good way to instigate a strike. Using wave action on a breezy day is also very helpful.