Magic Owl – August 2022 Fly of the Month

I received an e-mail from Jay Cannavo suggesting that I watch a video of a fly being tied by Lindsay Simpson.  The fly called the Magic Owl is tied in large sizes for fishing lakes in Europe.  To view the video, google “magic owl fly”.  Jay and I both liked the looks of this pattern and thought it would make a good trout fly if it was tied in smaller sizes.  When converting into smaller sizes I substituted some materials but was able to retain the look of the original.  I use 3-5 cdc feathers depending on the quality.  I find that Trouthunters provide some of the best available.  After winding on the rib, the body is coated with UV resin.  The dubbing for the thorax is obtained from FlyFishFood.com.

Hook :  Tiemco #2488;  #12 – #16

Thread :  UTC thread; 140 denier, yellow

Wing :  CDC feathers; natural dun

Body :  Yellow thread

Rib :  6/0 black thread

Thorax :  Jr. Bruiser Blend dubbing; Butter Belly

John Lazar

Fly tied by John Lazar