Tying a Duracell fly is a rewarding skill for any angler, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the world of fly fishing. Known for its effectiveness in attracting fish, especially trout, the Duracell fly has earned its place as a favorite among fly tiers and anglers alike. This versatile pattern mimics a range of aquatic insects and can be used in various fishing conditions.

In this guide on how to tie a duracell fly, we’ll walk you through the materials needed and the step-by-step process to create your own Duracell fly, ensuring you’re prepared for success on your next fishing adventure.

Why Tie a Duracell Fly?

Before we dive into the tying process, it’s essential to understand why this fly is so effective and why you should consider adding it to your arsenal. The Duracell fly was created by renowned fly tier Tim Cammisa in 2015 and has since gained popularity among anglers for its fish-catching abilities.

The unique design of the Duracell fly makes it mimic a wide range of insects, from caddis flies to stoneflies, making it an excellent choice for imitating multiple species. Its pulsating movement and realistic appearance make it irresistible to fish, especially when presented correctly.

Materials Needed

To tie a Duracell fly, you’ll need the following materials:

Hook:

A size 12 – 16 curved nymph hook is the most commonly used for this pattern, but you can experiment with different sizes to mimic various insects.

Thread:

Use a strong thread in colors that match your chosen fly pattern; black, olive, and brown are popular choices.

Tail:

For the tail of your Duracell fly, you can use either pheasant tail fibers or ostrich herl. Both materials provide excellent underwater movement.

Body:

The body of a Duracell fly is typically made from dubbing material in various colors, such as hare’s ear, olive, or tan.

Ribbing:

Thin wire ribbing in silver or gold adds strength and durability to the fly while also imitating the segmentation of insect bodies.

Wing Case:

A thin strip of scud back or turkey feather is used to create the wing case, adding a realistic touch to the fly.

Thorax:

The thorax is made from a blend of dubbing material and ice dub in various colors to create a lifelike appearance.

Legs:

Thin rubber legs or hackle fibers can be added for extra movement and attraction.

8 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Tie a Duracell Fly

Step 1: Prepare the Hook 

Secure your curved nymph hook firmly in the vise, ensuring it is stable and positioned horizontally for ease of tying. Begin by wrapping your thread onto the hook shank, starting just behind the eye and working your way down toward the bend.

Make sure to create an even, solid base layer of thread, which will help anchor your materials securely as you proceed. Trim off any excess thread to keep the base neat and tidy before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Add the Tail

Select either pheasant tail fibers or ostrich herl and measure out a small clump to use as the tail of your fly. The length should be approximately equal to the hook shank’s length, but you can vary this depending on how long you want your tail. Tie it down on top of the hook at the bend using several tight wraps of thread and trim off any excess.

It’s essential to keep the tail fibers evenly spread and not too bulky, as this will affect the fly’s movement in the water.

Step 3: Create the Body 

Select your preferred dubbing material in a color that matches the desired insect imitation, such as hare’s ear, olive, or tan. Take a small amount of dubbing and twist it onto your thread, creating a thin, even dubbing noodle. Wrap the dubbing around the hook shank, starting from the base of the tail and working your way up toward the midpoint of the hook. 

Ensure that the dubbing is applied in smooth, consistent wraps, building up the body gradually for a natural, tapered shape. Leave enough space near the hook eye for the thorax and other finishing materials, and ensure the body appears proportional and well-formed before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Add the Ribbing 

Take a thin wire ribbing in silver or gold and tie it down on top of the hook, just behind the eye. Begin wrapping the ribbing in an open spiral fashion evenly along the body, securing it with tight thread wraps as you go. This step not only adds realistic segmentation to the fly but also strengthens its durability.

Once you reach the base of your tail, secure the ribbing with several more thread wraps before trimming off any excess.

Step 5: Create the Wing Case 

To create the wing case, select a thin strip of scud back material or a small piece of turkey feather. Measure the strip so that it is slightly wider than the hook shank but not overly large, as it needs to sit neatly on top of the thorax. Align the strip with the top of the hook shank at the point where the body transitions to the thorax area. Secure it with a few tight wraps of thread, ensuring it stays directly on top of the fly. 

Once tied in place, leave the wing case material extending toward the back of the fly, as it will be folded forward after the thorax is completed. Keep the wraps neat and tight to prevent the material from slipping, and ensure that the edges of the wing case align symmetrically to maintain a realistic appearance.

Step 6: Create the Thorax 

For the thorax of your Duracell fly, you’ll need a blend of dubbing material and ice dub in various colors. Choose a suitable color combination for your desired insect imitation, such as green and black for caddis flies or brown and orange for stoneflies.

Take a small handful of dubbing mixed with ice dub and create another thin noodle on your thread. Wrap this mixture around the hook shank to form the thorax, starting just behind the wing case and working toward the eye of the hook. 

Leave enough space for the head and ensure that the thorax is evenly shaped without any gaps or bulges. Use your fingers to distribute the dubbing fibers evenly around the hook shank for a lifelike appearance.

Step 7: Add Legs 

For extra movement and attraction, you can add thin rubber legs or hackle fibers to your Duracell fly at this stage. Take two small clumps of legs or fibers and tie them down on either side of the fly, just behind the wing case.

Ensure that they are well secured with tight thread wraps but not too bulky, as this will affect the fly’s buoyancy and movement in the water. Trim off any excess material, leaving the legs or fibers extending slightly beyond the tail for added realism.

Step 8: Finish and Head 

To finish your Duracell fly, take one final dubbing noodle in a suitable color and create a small, neat head behind the hook eye. Whip finish with several tightly wrapped turns of thread, securing the head in place.

Trim off any excess materials and apply some head cement to ensure everything stays securely in place. You can also add additional finishing touches such as a drop of UV resin on the wing case for added durability and realism.

Following these step-by-step guidelines on how to tie a duracell fly will help you create a realistic and effective Duracell fly that is sure to attract fish in various water conditions. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations and sizes to match the insects in your local waters, and have fun trying! Happy fishing!

Maintenance and Care for the Duracell Fly

As with any fly, proper maintenance and care are essential to ensuring its longevity and effectiveness on the water. Here are a few tips for maintaining your Duracell fly:

• After fishing, make sure to dry out your flies thoroughly before storing them. This will prevent them from getting moldy or deteriorating.
• Suppose the fly becomes wet while fishing; take it out of the water and squeeze off excess moisture before casting again. This will help maintain its buoyancy and movement in the water.
• Check for any damage or wear on your Duracell fly after each use. If there are any loose threads or materials, trim them off and reapply some head cement if necessary.
• Store your files in a dry, cool place to prevent them from getting damaged by moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Periodically inspect and rotate the flies in your fly box to avoid using the same ones repeatedly, which can lead to wear and tear.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your Duracell fly stays in top condition and continues to attract fish on the water for many fishing trips to come! Keep tying and tight lines!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Size Hook Should I Use for the Duracell Fly?

A: The best hook size for a Duracell fly is typically a size 14 or 16, but you can also tie them in smaller or larger sizes depending on your desired imitation. 

Q: Can I Use Different Materials for the Tail and Body of the Duracell Fly?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different materials for the tail and body of your Duracell fly, such as using marabou or hackle fibers instead of pheasant tail or ostrich herl. Just make sure to adjust the proportions accordingly to maintain a realistic appearance.

Q: What Type of Water is Best Suited for Fishing with a Duracell Fly?

A: The Duracell fly is versatile and effective in both still waters and rivers, making it suitable for various water conditions. It’s particularly effective in fast-moving water as its buoyancy allows it to ride high and mimic the natural movement of emerging insects.  So, give it a try in your local streams and see for yourself!

Q: Can I Add Weight to My Duracell Fly?

A: Yes, you can add weight to your Duracell fly by incorporating weighted materials such as tungsten beads or wire into the body while tying. This will allow you to fish deeper waters where fish are feeding on the bottom. Just be sure not to make the fly too heavy as this may affect its realistic movement in the water. So, experiment with different weights until you find what works best for your fishing situation!

Conclusion 

The Duracell fly is a highly effective and versatile pattern that has become a favorite among fly anglers worldwide. By following the steps outlined in this guide on how to tie a duracell fly, you can create a durable and realistic fly that mimics natural insect behavior, making it an excellent choice for various water conditions and fish species.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fly tier, the Duracell fly is a rewarding pattern to master and can significantly enhance your fishing success. Take the time to experiment, adapt the design to your local waters, and enjoy the art of tying and fishing this remarkable fly. Tight lines!