Fly Tying

How to Tie Lefty's Deceiver Fly

Aug 12, 2019 · 3 min read
Chandler CransBy Chandler Crans
Chandler Crans
Chandler Crans

Chandler Crans is a fly fishing expert and a former guide in Alaska. Whether he's reviewing the latest rods and reels, writing about where to fish,...

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How to Tie Lefty's Deceiver Fly

Tips for tying Lefty's Deceiver Fly including a materials list, instructional video, and much more. Improve your fly tying skills here.


The Deceiver may be one of the most popular streamers for both freshwater and saltwater fish. This pattern can be tied in a multitude of colors to imitate a variety of bait. Here, Jared ties the Lefty's Deceiver in Blurple (black and purple) which is the most productive color combination for targeting fish at night. This is a great fly for Bass, Stripers, and more. Follow along for step-by-step instructions.


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Materials:

We've put together a kit that contains all the materials you need to tie this exact fly pattern.

Click the button below to shop the selection.

Hook: Tiemco 811S, 2/0

Thread: Danville Mono Thread, .004

Body: Bucktail, Purple/Black

Tail: Hareline Strung Hackle, Purple

Body: Krystal Flash, Black

Wing: Peacock Herl


Step One:

Blue synthetic fibers tail tied onto hook with silver tinsel ribbing in vise, Lefty's Deceiver fly tying

Start your thread and tie in a Bucktail tail. The Bucktail acts as a support for the tail to keep the fly from fouling. Tie in the Bucktail right at the bend of the hook.

Step Two:

Blue Lefty's Deceiver fly with marabou tail and silver tinsel body clamped in vise, fly tying

Tie in two hackle feathers for the tail. Tie in the hackle feathers facing each other with the shiny side out one at a time on both sides of the hook shank.

Step Three:

Lefty's Deceiver fly in vise mid-tying with vibrant blue marabou tail, silver tinsel body and black spine for fly fishing

Tie flash into the tail. Measure the flash so it extends just past the Bucktail and hackle feathers. Tie it directly on top of the hook and advance your thread.

Step Four:

Royal blue marabou Lefty's Deceiver streamer with black thread body held in vise, fly tying tutorial

Tie in and wrap the Krystal Flash body. Double the Krystal Flash over the thread, tie it down, bring your thread back, then advance your thread to just behind the eye of the hook. Slowly and evenly wrap the Krystal Flash forward and tie it off behind the eye of the hook leaving room to tie the head of the fly.

Step Five:

Blue Lefty's Deceiver streamer with flowing marabou and black tinsel body clamped in vise during fly tying tutorial

Rotate the vise and tie in a purple Bucktail underbody.

Step Six:

Lefty's Deceiver fly in vise with long vivid blue synthetic hair, black flash strands and silver hook for fly tying

Similarly, tie in purple Bucktail on top of the hook shank to give the body a full profile. After catching the material with two loose wraps, distribute the Bucktail around the hook shank for a well-proportioned fly.

Step Seven:

Blue and black Lefty's Deceiver streamer tied with bucktail and synthetic fibers on hook held in fly-tying vise, close-up

Measure the black Bucktail wing to be slightly longer than the purple body. Tie in the black Bucktail directly on top of the hook.

Step Eight:

Lefty's Deceiver in vise with vibrant blue synthetic fibers, olive-gold flash and silver thread head, fly tying

Finally, choose roughly four strands of Peacock Herl and tie them in on top of the hook shank to add color to the wing. Measure the herl to extend just past the tips of the tail, trim the butts, and tie in the herls.

Step Nine:

Lefty's Deceiver fly with royal blue synthetic fibers and dark olive overwing clamped in vise, fly tying

Whip finish and add some super glue to the head of the fly for increased durability.

Step Ten:

Blue and black Lefty's Deceiver streamer fly with marabou tail on wooden bench beside scissors, rod and neon green fly line

And that's Lefty's Deceiver in Black and Purple. This fly is hugely productive for Stripers and other predatory fish at night and works well when tied in different color schemes to imitate a variety of bait.

Questions?

Give us a call here at the shop at (888) 413-5211 or email us anytime at [email protected].

Chandler Crans
Written by

Chandler Crans

Chandler Crans is a fly fishing expert and a former guide in Alaska. Whether he's reviewing the latest rods and reels, writing about where to fish, or helping a first-time angler pick the right fly line, Chandler combines real guiding experience with deep product knowledge and a genuine love of being on the water.

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