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Geoff Hall: The Styx Special

Hook Tiemco 100 # 14 - 16
Thread Brown 6/0 
Hackles Brown
Tail Brown Hackle Points
Body Peacock Herl
Rib Gold Wire
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Click for Full Size Photo of the Styx Special
Click for Full Size Photo of the Styx Special
Click for Full Size Photo of the Styx Special

 

 

 

This is yet another pattern based on the general design of the Geehi Beetle. Being much more subtle and therefore realistic it is a better fly for searching slower waters rather than the rougher stuff you would float a Geehi in. The tying is not complicated although it should be said it isn't the most basic of ties. The one tricky bit is catching the palmered hackle with the wire and then ribbing without crushing the hackle. It is not that difficult just a bit fiddly. Using peacock herl in the body of most beetle flies is very effective and there is something intangible about it as a fish attracting material. It just seems to work time after time. 

The palmered body and heavy front hackle keep this fly floating like a cork all day. Even though the palmered hackle is clipped it is almost impossible to sink it and it will negotiate the most difficult of waters and not disappear. Its drab colouration does make it hard to see in extremely rough water and fished in combination with a Geehi or Stimulator it can be very effective. Once again the excellent floating qualities displayed by this pattern enable you to suspend a nymph below it.

This fly has had particular success in the Rubicon and Acheron Rivers. Windy days are best and a slight ripple on the water seems to help. If the fish refuse it a change to a Cochybondhu or Backwater Beetle will often work. It also works well tied in black with peacock herl body.

Geoff Hall