Klinkhamer hi-speed video

t.z. | Friday, 16 March 2018

Fly tying, like in any other craftsmanship. can be understood as an assembly of modules. This basic concept makes it also “learnable”. Approach each module on it’s own until mastered, and then put these modules together.

The Klinkhamer is regarded by many as complicated. I tend to agree as this pattern consists of several modules and lots of steps. However, breaking it down in digestible steps helps to learn it.

the steps:

Wing / wing-post: Antron yarn tied as underbody
Abdomen: Dubbed and ribbed over the antron underbody.
Thorax: Peacock herl wound around the thread and onto the hook-shank
Hackle: Parachute hackle whip finished under itself by the wing post.

The biggest hassle is to get the wing post stabilised. Nope, you do not need glue!!! That’s rather counterproductive in my eyes. The trick is to use the thread reinforced peacock herl “rope” as a base to pinch the wing-post with.

Another important factor is the amount of antron yarn for the wing-post. Many don't use enough and then struggle with the lack of stability cause by too little material.

Make note of that the thread is used to keep the fly under tension. Do not break the tension is my mantra to a good fly. Try to imagine the thread’s way on the fly in your mind.

Have a look at the video. I think the hi-speed video format helps to see the various modules coming together. However, practice all the modules separately before. Step 3 and 4 are the same modules as in the Red Tag and partly in the Griffith’s Gnat.