This step-by-step tying instruction shows how I tie our commercial Franc ‘n Snaelda pattern. The FnS pattern was originated by Sean Stenton who combined features of the famous Francis and Snaelda patterns. The resulting FnS pattern has been very popular throughout Europe. I like to experiment with European patterns and techniques that are utilized for Atlantic Salmon. After all, there is nothing new under the sun. So a number of years I started experimenting with Snaelda patterns for steelhead. They proved to work well but I was not convinced that this fly was more effective then many other flies. When a friend from Europe showed me the newly developed FnS pattern I immediately liked the pattern and the way in combined the Snaelda with the Francis. I tried the pattern out and found it to be very effective, but the body did not hold up to the steelhead teeth. I experimented with a variety of solutions and settled on the epoxy method described below. It is virtually indestructible. I also proceeded to incorporate colour combinations that I new from experience were effective on our local rivers. The result was a series of 4 FnS patterns: “Skeena”, “Babine”, “Bulkley” and “Kispiox”. I have fished these flies for two full seasons now, and they are extremely effective. In a future blog I will describe how I fish them and when. Happy tying!
Materials:
Accent Flash
Glitter
2-component epoxy
4 stripped and dyed neck hackles
