Thread: Ddd

**fish** · 04-06-09

There is no need for a lengthy introduction on the DDD. For most of us a woollybugger is highly likely the first streamer we have tied to end of our leader and a DDD the first dry fly. Originated by Dr. Tom Sutcliffe in the Dargle area in Natal and named after one of his fishing companions Bill Duckworth, the Duckworth Dargle Delights' reputation in duping trout is well known.

It probably imitates a terrestrial of some sorts, I don't want to ponder over what the fish believes it to be the same as with Tony Biggs' RAB. Fish eat it and this fact should settle all further discussions.

The inherent buoyancy of deer hair makes this fly an excellent option to suspend nymphs below. The overall “buggyness” lure hungry fish closer to a fly which overs a mouthful and have a spongy texture which translates in more time to set the hook before the fly is spit out.

Another added bonus is the use of only one material in the construction of the DDD. Although some commercially tied DDD's have feather fiber tails and hackles the use of Deer Hair as a hackle and tail creates a more buggy mottled effect. Mainly tied in natural hues of beiges and browns a yellow or orange version has proved to fool fish.

The use of deer hair can be substituted with Elk or of course that piece of Klipspringer roadkill you picked up alongside the Mitchell's Pass.

Recipe

Hook: #8 - #14 Dr. Tom prefers a heavier wire hook for stillwaters like a standard shank nymph hook. Big fish on stillwater easily straightens some of the lighter dry fly hooks. Use finer coastal deer hair for the smaller patterns.
Thread: Flat waxed 3/0 – 6/0 or Kevlar. The deer hair is prone to being cut by twisted threads.
Tail: Deer Hair
Body: Deer Hair
Hackle: Deer Hair

Step 1

Even up the tips of the deer hair in a hair stacker, tie in with a pinch loop at the bend and forward along the hook shank.

Step 2

Select a bunch of deer hair approximately the thickness of a pencil (#10 hook, slightly less for smaller hooks). Cut it flush with the skin and remove excess fluff with a comb from the base of the deer hair. By doing this the hair will spin easier and the water absorbent fluff is removed.

Step 3

Pinch the deer hair at a 45 degree angle on the near side of the hook shank. Make two loose turns of thread to secure the hair in this position.

Step 4

Gradually apply pressure with the second thread turn as you proceed around the hook shank. This will flare the hair around the shank. The hook bend will prevent some hair from spinning around completely, using your scissors work these hair loose to the near side of the hook shank..

Step 5

Take two firm turns of thread through the hair and apply a half hitch. Pack the hair tightly with a hair packer or alternatively use the hole in the back of your bodkin.

Step 6

Apply more bunches of hair till 2/3 of the hook shank is covered. Whip finish at this point.

Step 7

Remove the fly from the vice and steam it over a kettle. This will flare and separate trapped hair, improving the trimming process.

Step 8

The steamed DDD. Compare with Step 6.

**fish** · 04-06-09

Step 9

Turn the fly in the vice and make the first cut close to the hook shank. Ensure there is sufficient hook gape exposed to hook the fish. The trimming of any deer hair fly should done with great care, in an instant a wrong cut will send the fly to the bin.

Step 10

Make further reference cuts on top and on the sides, slowly working your way towards the desired shape. Take care not to trim off the tail, let the scissors tips close at the base of the tail. The basic shape is in place.

Step 11

Use a razor blade to do the finishing touches.

Step 12

Cut a last bunch of deer hair and even the tips in a hair stacker.

Step 13

Measure the butt ends of the deer hair against the width of the body. This will ensure minimum trimming when the hackle is spun.

Step 14

Spin the last bunch of deer hair, whip finish and apply finishing touches if needed.