How to Tie the Semper Fleye Pattern

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

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Straight from Pop Fleyes' book, the Semper Fleye will catch any species that eats other fish. The pattern swims well, has excellent movement, and is easy to tie. You will not want to leave the house without the Semper Fleye on your next striper outing. Follow along as Levi shows the step-by-step directions needed to tie this effective pattern.

Materials:

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

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• Hook: Ahrex SA280 (size: 1)
• Thread: UNI-Mono (size: .004”)
• Tail support: Bucktail
• Tail: Saddle hackle (choose long, slender feathers)
• Flash: Flashabou (size: 1/100"; color: pearl)
• Body: Saddle hackle

Step One:

Start the pattern by wrapping the thread from the hook's eye to the bend. Next, remove a pencil's width of fiber from the bucktail and tie it down at the curve with several tight wraps. Be sure the bucktail is around one and a half times the length of the shank.

Step Two:

For the Semper Fleye's tail, remove six feathers slightly longer than the length of the bucktail. Tie the first one around the stem, on the side of the hook closest to you. Next, tie in the second feather opposite of you, then another on top of the shank. Wrap in the remaining feathers on the bottom of the hook.

Step Three:

Now that the tail is complete, go ahead and wrap the stems down with several tight turns leading to the eye. This will add bulk to the body, as well as enhance durability. Clip off the remaining feather material to provide the fly with a smooth profile.

Step Four:

For added flash, break off four strands of flashabou and tie them next to where the stems are tied in. The flashabou should parallel and run the length of the tail. After tying the flashabou in on one side, bring them around the opposite side and secure them with several wraps.

Step Five:

Returning to the saddle, take another feather, remove excess fiber strands, and tie the stem on at the eye. Next, wrap the feather around the hook's neck and clip the outward pointing fibers off. Repeat this step with two more feathers. Ensure each feather is tied with a half-hitch, then complete the pattern by securing a whip finish below the eye.