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Surface fly / Pattern notes

Dahlberg Diver

A sculpted deer-hair head dives on a strip and resurfaces during the pause.

At the vise
Advanced
Common sizes
#6–1/0
From hook to fly

At the vise.

5 steps

Follow this base recipe in order. The materials list specifies one hook size; adjust proportions together when tying another size.

  1. Tail

    Tie marabou at the bend, followed by paired saddle hackles about two shanks long and a few flash strands.

  2. Collar

    Stack deer hair and secure a bunch ahead of the tail. Preserve rearward tips for the collar.

  3. Pack the head

    Spin and pack several deer-hair bunches toward the eye. Leave enough room to whip finish and cement the thread.

  4. Shape the diver

    Trim a flat belly and tapered head. Leave a broad, flared collar behind the head; clear the hook gap.

  5. Check the action

    Wet the fly and test it in water. Trim uneven hair gradually until it tracks straight and dives when pulled.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Use short strips and pauses over bass cover. Scale up for pike with a suitable hook and leader.

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Recipe references

Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.

For the same fly box.

Illustration of a finished Gartside Gurgler flyGartside GurglerSurface fly · #6–2/0Illustration of a finished Foam Popper flyFoam PopperSurface fly · #4–12Illustration of a finished Sneaky Pete flySneaky PeteSurface fly · #4–10