Fly Tying

How To Tie The Mil Spec Perdigon

Oct 17, 2024 · 2 min read
Sabin PiatekBy Sabin Piatek
Sabin Piatek
Sabin Piatek

Sabin Piatek is a fly fishing and tying expert that is always out on the water. He fishes everything from small creek dry flies to 12" Beast flies ...

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How To Tie The Mil Spec Perdigon

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Let's follow along with Karl as he shows us how to tie the Mil Spec Perdigon. The Mil Spec Perdigon is a highly effective nymph pattern that's perfect for fast water and deep runs. This streamlined fly sinks quickly, making it ideal for targeting trout in challenging conditions. If you want to elevate your nymph game, you will want to be sure to have a few of these in your fly box at all times! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a tying tutorial! Tight Lines!

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

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Materials:

Hook: Gamakatsu J20B (Size 14)

Bead: Hareline Slotted Tungsten Bead (7/64, Copper)

Thread: UTC 70D Ultra Thread (Light Olive, Fl. Chartreuse)

Tail: Hareline CDL Feathers (Ginger Speckled Escobar)

Marker: Copic Sketch Marker (Black)

Resin: Loon Clear Fly Finish (Flow)

Step 1

Close-up fly tying vise holding black hook with olive green thread and copper bead head for Perdigon nymph

Begin by sliding a slotted tungsten bead up to the hook eye. Build a small thread dam behind the bead to hold it firmly in place.

Step 2

Olive thread Mil Spec Perdigon nymph with copper bead head clamped in a vise, fly tying for fly fishing

Strip a small amount of Hairline CDL feather fibers from the stem and tie them in approximately one hook shank length past the back of the hook to form the tail.

Step 3

Close-up fly tying vise holding olive Perdigon nymph with copper bead head, black thread and tools visibleMil Spec Perdigon fly tied in vise-olive ribbed body with copper bead head, short translucent tail and fly tying thread

Use your thread to build a smooth, uniform abdomen tapering toward the bead. Color the thread with a black marker or Sharpie, then wrap the colored section forward, leaving a small, even gap between each wrap to create the rib effect. Complete 2–3 whip finishes and cut the thread tight to the abdomen.

Step 4

Mil Spec Perdigon nymph with olive-green thread and copper beadhead clamped in a metal fly-tying vise, fly fishing

Attach a bright green thread just behind the bead head and build up a small hot spot, finishing off the front of the abdomen neatly. Complete 2–3 whip finishes and cut the thread close to the bead.

Step 5

Hands tying green beadhead Mil Spec Perdigon nymph on black hook in fly-tying vise, close-up of metallic bead and tail fibers

Apply a drop of clear UV resin to the tapered abdomen. Use a bodkin or the rotary feature on your vise to spread the resin evenly around the entire abdomen.

Step 6

Mil-spec Perdigon nymph with olive striped body, copper bead head and pale tail fibers on black hook for fly fishing

Cure the resin with a UV light while slowly rotating your vise to ensure an even finish. Your Mil Spec Perdigon is ready to fish!

Sabin Piatek
Written by

Sabin Piatek

Sabin Piatek is a fly fishing and tying expert that is always out on the water. He fishes everything from small creek dry flies to 12" Beast flies off a boat. He has been tying flies for almost a decade and has been tying commericaly for the last 5 years. Sabin always wants to help people improve their fishing and tying knowledge.

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