The
Killer style has been a proven fish taker for over 70
years. The first was probably Lord's Killer, made
from a black squirrel tail and a body of woodcock
feathers and which came out in the early 1930's. Tying
any of the Killer patterns takes a bit of practice to get
the wings just right. They must be level and
straight along the body; otherwise the fly can twist in
the water. The cupped sides of the two feathers (one per
side) face inward.
Though the two samples below are tied with wings of
mallard feathers, other body feathers used in Killer
style flies include Pukeko, Pheasant, Grouse, Woodduck,
Partidge and French partridge.
Two
patterns, recipes, pictures and history follow:
Hamill's Killer
-- This fly originally had a yellow or red wool
under-body. Many see no need for that as you
cannot see the body under the wing in any event.
If one wanted to be true to the original and have a red
or yellow body, it must be tied thin. The original
also had mid olive green dyed partridge instead of
mallard. One of a series of Killer style lures,
this is one of the best, particularly in still waters
where it is fished slow over weed beds. Probably
taken as a dragonfly larvae.
|
Hamill's Killer |
|
Photo by Peter Frailey
Hook: Wet fly hook, size 2
to size 8
Thread: Black
Tail: Golden Pheasant tippets over black
squirrel tail
Wing: Mallard died olive, tied as shown
(Killer style) |
|
Mallard Killer
-- A lighter version of the Hamill's but effective
nevertheless. Other body feathers used in Killer
style flies include Pukeko, Pheasant, Grouse, Woodduck,
Partidge and French partridge.
