Unreal Egg

Jim Pettis’s translucent egg pattern wraps a colored glass bead in a thin veil of egg yarn.

The Unreal Egg is a specific Jim Pettis dressing. A glass bead gives the fly a colored center under a sparse, translucent yarn cover. It differs in construction from a solid Glo-Bug.

At the vise: Beginner friendly
Common sizes: #12–16

Flies for Steelhead Flies for Trout

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From hook to fly

At the vise.

5 steps

Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.

Mount the bead
Slide the glass bead over the hook point and around the bend before clamping the hook in the vise.
Secure the bead
Start red thread behind the eye. Work thread around the bead to hold it near the middle of the shank without blocking the eye.
Attach a sparse veil
Spread a short, small bunch of pale egg yarn evenly around the shank just ahead of the bead and secure it with firm but limited wraps.
Cover the center
Tease the fibers outward, then pull them rearward over the bead so the bead stays visible through a thin, even covering.
Shape and finish
Bind the veil behind the bead, trim it to a soft spherical egg, whip finish and clear stray fibers from the hook gap.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Present it naturally through runs where loose eggs are drifting; choose size and color to match the water. Avoid disturbing spawning fish or their redds.

Tied by independent makers

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No versions are listed yet. Choose a tyer and ask about your sizes, colors and materials. The tyer must confirm availability and send an offer.

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One fly, several listings

Names and colors in the source index

Flys and Guides ↗ uses these labels for this fly. The recipe above describes the stated version; change materials where a colorway calls for it.

“Unreal” Egg – Pink
“Unreal” Egg – Lt. Pink

Recipe references

Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.

Portrait reference

Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.

Golden Bear Flycasters — Pettis’ Unreal Egg ↗

At the vise.

Mount the bead

Secure the bead

Attach a sparse veil

Cover the center

Shape and finish