Chernobyl Beetle

Submitted by Bob Trevis

Hook: Size 8 nymph hook, or in this case size 10 3XL Tiemco 5263BL

Thread: Black 6/0 thread tied in an eye-length back from eye, down to the bend, back toward eye, and back to bend.

Tie in three black rubber hackle legs, each about an 1/8” apart.

5/8” diameter hard foam disk for body.  Front is tied on by punching two 1/8” diameter holes on the upper edge (almost like the “Bat Signal” for a shape.)  This creates a beak which can be tied on.  The back end is sewed on later to bind it down on the hook shank.

Black hackle is tied on at the head, then trimmed flush for low riding.  Beetles have wings, and this also helps find the fly on the water.

Finish fly with a coat of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Trick or Treat on underside.  This is black nail polish with glitter, picked up on sale after Halloween.