Learn how to tie the Gray Fox dry fly pattern, including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly-tying skills here.

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The Gray Fox Dry Fly is a great go-to pattern, no matter which side of the country you’re on. This pattern originated in the Catskills by Preston Jennings in the 1930s. Despite developing as an eastern fly pattern, it has since found a home across the west where it’s effective for imitating tan and brown mayflies.

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Step One

Begin by establishing a thread base from below the hook eye to the point.

Step Two

Prepare the wing by cutting a V formation into the mallard flank feather’s webby portion, then strip the fuzzy fibers from the stem.

Step Three

Fold the wing over itself, then secure the tip on the shank’s base with the V initially pointing toward the eye. Be sure to clip the rear-facing fibers.

Step Four

Fold the V reward, then build a thread dam in front of it to help position the wing upright.

Step Five

Finish the wing by turning X-wraps around the material’s center to separate them on either side of the shank.

Step Six

Now that the wing is complete reverse the thread to the bend, then secure several tips from the ginger cape on the curve. Be sure to clip the forward-facing strands before moving on.

Step Seven

Moving to the Gray Fox’s body, form a small dubbing noodle on the thread with the Arctic Fox hair, then make overlapping turns from above the tail to the wing.

Step Eight

Strip the fuzzy fibers from the tips of the grizzly and ginger hackles, then tie them on the shank’s side near the wing, with the feathers stacked on each other.

Step Nine

Wrap the first feather before and in front of the wing, then secure it below the eye. Repeat the same step with the other feather.

Step Ten

After trimming the wayward hackle fibers, build up a small head and complete a whip finish. Now the Gray Fox Dry Fly is ready to hit the water gracefully.