Discover Why Trout Can't Resist This Unique Fly Pattern and Learn How to Tie It for Maximum Results
Fly fishers are always searching for the one pattern that consistently brings trout to the net.... and here it is. The "Ugly Dennis" fly stands out as a must-have in any fly box.
Crafted by Dennis Potter of the Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds, this innovative fly combines the flash and movement that trigger aggressive strikes. Better still, its versatile design performs in a range of water conditions.
Whether you're fishing clear mountain streams or murky river bottoms, the Ugly Dennis has proven its ability to attract trout when other patterns fall short.
In this article, we’ll explore the unique features that make this fly so effective as Steve Ruppert guides you through the steps to tie it yourself.
About the "Ugly Dennis" Fly
The "Ugly Dennis" fly is the brainchild of Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds Club Member, Dennis Potter. It’s a composite fly made from many videos, articles, and stories. Dennis hopes to pass this fly on and wishes for it to bring success to those who tie and fish with it.
This guide includes flexible options for body color combinations and adding an optional red collar, making it versatile for various fishing conditions.
Tying the Ugly Dennis Fly
Materials Needed:
Hook: #12 2xl Firehole (or hook of your choice)
Bead: Size to fit the hook
Thread: 70 denier red thread
Tail: Marabou (color of your choice)
Body: HARELINE Large Flexi Squishenille UV Olive FSQL263 (or other colors) and Veevus UV Body Fuzz, Olive (or other colors)
Optional: Lead wire for added weight, red material for a collar (ostrich works, or any other red material)
Step 1: Prepare the Hook
Slide the bead onto the hook.
Secure the hook in the vise and start the thread behind the bead, wrapping down to the hook bend.
Create a “bump” near the bend of the hook to make the tail stand up.
Step 2: Attach the Tail
Measure a marabou feather to match the length of the hook shank.
Tie it in securely at the bend of the hook, and the base of the thread hump, ensuring it’s straight.
Cut off the remaining marabou instead of tying it down to leave room for the materials that will form the body later on.
Step 3: (Optional) Add Lead
Wrap lead wire behind the bead if you want the fly to sink deeper. Secure it and cover it up with red thread wraps.
Before continuing, give everything a light coating of superglue to keep it all together.
Step 4: Create the Body
Twist the Flexi Squishenille (UV Olive or any color) together with the Veevus UV Body Fuzz.
Tie in the Squishenille and Body Fuzz behind the lead to even out the body.
Wrap your threat back to the eye of the hook and throw in a half-hitch to lock it in place.
Attach a pair of hackle pliers to the bottom ends of the materials and use it to twist them together, tight!
Now wrap the twisted material up the hook shank towards the bead, ensuring even coverage.
Step 5: Secure and Finish
Secure the wrapped materials at the bead with the red thread.
Optional Red Collar: For added attraction, tie in a red collar just behind the bead using ostrich or any red material you prefer.
Use a whip finish to tie off the thread and add a small drop of head cement to secure the knot.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Trim any excess materials, ensuring a neat and attractive fly.
Why does this fly pattern work so well?
The Ugly Dennis fly has proven to be highly effective for trout. Several factors contribute to its success. Understanding why trout respond well to certain flies can help explain why this vibrant pattern is such a hit on the water.
Attractor Qualities
Trout often respond to flies that don’t necessarily imitate a specific insect but rather have attractor qualities that stimulate their curiosity or feeding instincts. Flies like the Ugly Dennis, with their vibrant and varied materials, fall into this category.
The use of materials such as UV-enhanced body fuzz and the flashy Squishenille can create a visual cue that trout find hard to resist, especially in conditions where they aren't keyed into a specific hatch.
Versatility Across Conditions
The Ugly Dennis can be fished effectively in a variety of water conditions and depths. Its design, which includes an option to add lead for sinking, allows it to be presented at different levels of the water column.
This versatility is crucial since trout feeding patterns can vary significantly depending on water temperature, flow, and the availability of food.
Stimulating a Feeding Response
The colors and textures in the Ugly Dennis mimic a broad spectrum of potential food items. This can trigger a predatory or opportunistic response from trout.
It’s similar to how they react to other attractor patterns like the Copper John or the Pheasant Tail Nymph. These flies don't necessarily look like any one insect but rather present a profile or flash that suggests food, encouraging trout to strike.
Flash and Movement
The materials used in the Ugly Dennis, such as the marabou tail and the twisted body materials, provide both flash and movement in the water.
These features are critical for attracting trout, especially in murky or fast-flowing waters where visibility is reduced. The fly's ability to mimic the erratic movement of small aquatic creatures makes it particularly enticing to trout.
The Ugly Dennis fly taps into the fundamental behaviors and feeding patterns of trout, making it an exceptionally effective fly across a range of fishing environments.
DENNIS POTTER has been fly fishing for over 50 years, ever since he first discovered the sport and was introduced to the unique qualities of a fly rod. His journey into fly tying began with classes, videos, and books, and it quickly became an integral part of his fly fishing experience. With a professional background in teaching, Dennis views fly tying as more than just a skill—it's half the sport and a key to truly understanding and appreciating the entire fly fishing experience. When he's not creating flies, he's teaching others to tie classic patterns through Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds fly tying classes and workshops. When he's not sitting in front of a vice, you'll find him on a lake or river—typically spending most of his summer on the water, catching countless fish with the flies he’s tied.
STEVE RUPPERT is a passionate fly fisher and beginning fly tyer. His fly fishing journey began after joining friends on a trip to California. Nicknamed "the meat chucker," Steve embraced fly fishing and quickly discovered a new passion. He enjoys the challenge of catching Pennask trout at Douglas Lake Ranch in British Columbia, as well as the huge Lahontan cutthroat at Nevada's Pyramid Lake and Washington’s Omak Lake.
Comments