Epoxy

[Fred]

I was wondering how many of you use epoxy in fly tying and for what flies. For instance, I have been tying the Mercer Micro Mayfly and don't have the recipe, but from the ones I bought at Angler's Inn, it looks like the fly is finished, after the epoxy is already added. If so, how is this done? Do you let it dry and then finish the fly? I bought some epoxy that is supposed to dry in minutes, but doesn't. Is there a certain brand that works better than others?

[mcgx2]

The only fly I currently use epoxy on is the Copper John. Probably because thats what I have confidence in. It would probably work just as well without epoxy.

I finish all the flies I going to tie, usually about a dozen or so. Put the hooks into a piece of styrofoam (sp?) so the flies sit level, then epoxy the shellback. I use just regular old 5 min epoxy and apply with a dubbing needle. A small amount will do about a dozen flies.

mcg

[Fred]

I'll try that.

I'm also curious about how you tie the copper john. I have seen them with brown turkey biot tails and pheasant tails. Also, with legs and without. Beadhead, and non-bh. What seems to work the best for you?

[mcgx2]

Here is the Recipe that I got from the Western Angler in Grand Junction when I was down there last year. It has worked very well for me in Pocket Water because it sinks so fast. I also fish it with another nymph dropper sometimes because it helps sink both. My best luck has been with size 14 to 18.

Hook: I use Mustad 3906B
Thread: Black 6/0 or 8/0
Head: Gold or Copper bead
Tail: Dark olive or brown goose biots
Underbody: floss or whatever to make an even taper
Body: fine copper wire
Thorax: Peacock Herl with 1 strand of Pearl Tinsel for a shell back
Legs: Partrige only on sides of the fly
Shellback: Epoxy - be careful to put only on shellback.

This fly was originated by John Barr

Good Luck

mcg

[Fred]

I bet that fly kicks butt.

Thanks. I'll try it.