How to Tie the Higa's SOS Baetis Fly Pattern

Learn how to tie the Higa's SOS Baetis Fly Pattern including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly tying skills here

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Is it a mayfly, a midge, or just an attractor pattern? Who cares what the fish think it is? The Higa's SOS can do it all. It's a wicked sweet quick-to-tie fly that catches fish.

Recipe

• Hook - TMC 2488, 16
• Bead - Tungsten 2.4mm, Silver
• Thread - UNI 8/0, Black
• Body - Thread
• Rib - UTC Small Wire, Silver
• Tail - Hackle Fibers, Black (original uses Black Pheasant tail)
• Dubbing - Polar Dubbing, Black
• Flashback - Flashabou, Red (original uses red floss)
• Legs - Krystal Flash, Black

Step One

Begin the pattern by sliding a bead onto the hook then laying a thread base down.

Step Two

Next, tie the UTC Wire on top of the shank and below the bead, then wind the thread around the wire until you reach the hook's curve.

Step Three

Stiff hackle fibers make up the tail section. Tie the material near the bend, then advance the thread up the shank and clip the excess fabric.

Step Four

Before returning to the UTC Wire, run the thread along the shank to create a smooth body

Step Five

To help develop the fly's segmented body, rotate the UTC Wire up the shank with five open spiral wraps, then pop the extra material off.

Step Six

The first part of the pattern's wing section involves doubling over the Flashabou material then tying below the bead. Leave the extra material intact, and we will finish the wingcase at a later step.

Step Seven

Work a small pinch of dubbing onto the thread, then make a few wraps behind the bead for the fly's collar.

Step Eight

Pinch-wrap the black Krystal Flash material below the bead, then pull the material downward, creating the legs.

Step Nine

Now that the wings are tied in, it is time to finish the wingcase. Bring the Flashabou material forward and make several tight wraps in front of the bead. Pull the material rearward, wrap the thread behind the bead, then clip the extra fabric.

Step Ten

Before finishing the SOS Baetis, go back to the legs and trim the fibers down.

Step Eleven

Finish the tying portion by hitting a half-hitch, followed by a whip finish. Higa's SOS is now ready to hit the water!