How to Tie the Zulu Wet Fly Pattern

Jul 14, 2022 · 3 min read

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

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While the Zulu Wet Fly’s origins are unknown, the pattern likely developed in Europe in the mid-20th century. Despite its less-than-certain history, the Zulu is known for putting fish in the net. With its dark appearance, the Zulu fishes well in stained water or in the evening, especially on the swing! However, the Zulu is versatile enough to be fished as a nymph in smaller sizes, dead-drifted under an indicator. Follow along as Karl provides step-by-step instructions on how to tie the Zulu Wet Fly.

Recipe

Hook: TMC 3761 2XH 1XL Nymph Hook Size 10
Thread: UTC 70 Denier in Black
Tail: Red Wool
Body: Hareline Peacock Herl
Rib: Uni-Mylar in Silver/Gold size 14
Body Hackle: Whiting Rooster Saddle Hackle in Black
Collar: Hareline Hen Saddle in Black

Buy Material Kit

Step One

Silver and brass fly tying vise holding a small dark hook wrapped with olive-gold thread for Zulu wet fly pattern

Begin the pattern by running the thread from below the hook’s eye to above the bend.

Step Two

Hand tying Zulu wet fly on vise with bright orange dubbing, dark thread wraps and gold hook, fly tying tutorial

For the Zulu’s tail, tie the red wool material on the shank, with the fibers extending beyond the hook’s curve, then cover the fabric resting over the shank with thread.

Step Three

Fly tying vise holding Zulu wet fly with dark brown ribbed body, gold bead head and bright orange post tail

Trim the tail until its reach extends a hook gap’s length past the bend.

Step Four

Fly tying vise holding a Zulu wet fly with black thread body, orange feather collar and gold-ribbed hook on gray background

We are using Uni-Mylar for the pattern’s ribbing section. Tie it on the shank’s side nearest you with the gold facing outward, directly below the eye. Cover the mylar with thread, but leave the rear-pointing material intact.

Step Five

Fly tying close-up of Zulu wet fly on vise: olive body, orange tail tag, gold bead head, black hook

Tie four strands of peacock herl near the head, then cover the material with thread to the bend to start the body section.

Step Six

Zulu wet fly in vise with orange wool tail, peacock herl olive body and gold bead head, fly tying close-up

Finish the body by using your vice’s rotary function to rotate the fly while gently holding the peacock herl’s tag-end; this allows for tight, overlapping wraps. Once you reach close to the eye, secure the herl, then break off the extra fabric.

Step Seven

Fly tying a Zulu wet fly in a vise: black dubbing body, orange tail tag, dark hackle fibers, gold bead head

Next, secure a hackle feather by the tip before the eye, then palmer the feather to the tail’s base.

Step Eight

Zulu wet fly on vise with orange tail, olive fuzzy body, black hackle and gold bead ribbing, fly tying

Complete the ribbed section by advancing the mylar up the shank with evenly spaced wraps, then secure the material near the eye and snip.

Step Nine

Hand tying Zulu wet fly on vise with black hackle, olive body and bright orange tail—fly tying tutorial

The last material we’re working with is black hen saddle for the Zulu’s collar. First, strip the fuzzy fibers from the saddle's tip, then tie on before the eye. Next, make two full turns forward while gently pulling the webby fibers rearward.

Step Ten

Close-up fly tying vise holding a Zulu wet fly with black palmered body and bright orange tail

After trimming the excess material, make several securing wraps in front of the saddle while pulling the feathers, then build up the head with the thread.

Step Eleven

Zulu wet fly in vise, black fuzzy hackle body with bright orange tail and gold bead head, fly tying tutorial

The Zulu Wet Fly is ready to hit the water after completing a whip finish, followed by a touch of head cement.

Written by

Stephen D' Angelo

Stephen D'Angelo is a fly fishing expert with a passion for fly tying, gear, and time on the water. From small-stream trout to saltwater flats fishing, Stephen brings hands-on experience across a wide range of species and scenarios — and he's always happy to help you find the right setup for your next adventure.

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