Lefty's Deceiver

Created by Lefty Kreh

HOOK: TMC 811S, sizes 2-4/0 THREAD: Flourescent red single-strand floss TAIL: White hackle fibers with pearl Accent Flash BODY: Thread (floss) UNDERWING: White bucktail OVERWING: Red bucktail THROAT: Red Accent Flash EYES: White paint, with black pupils

Uses

One of the most famous American flies (it's been honored with its own postage stamp), Lefty's Deceiver is used primarily in saltwater. However, it is a general-purpose baitfish pattern and can be used in freshwater, too, especially in smaller sizes. When tying the fly for freshwater, save a few bucks and don't use the stainless steel hook.

Variations

There are many color variations, mostly in the wing colors: green over white; red over yellow; all white; blue over white. But in all cases, use the red Accent Flash and paint the eyes. The red imitates gills, and predatory fish focus on the gills and eyes when they attack baitfish.

How to Fish

Use a sinking or sink-tip line. Count-down-and-retrieve, slow retrieve, and wind drifting are effective presentations.