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Australian opossum fur is a versatile material used in fly tying. It is soft, easy to spin, and has a nice gradation of colour. It is commonly used for tying nymphs, dries, and wet flies, and is suitable for a wide range of applications. The fur has a good blend of underfur and guard hairs, giving life to any fly pattern. It absorbs water well and has good breathing qualities, ensuring that flies look natural.
How to tie Australian opossum fur on a fly hook
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft and buggy |
| Colour | Natural and dyed colours available |
| Use | Absorbs water well and has good breathing qualities |
| Similarity | Similar to Hare's Mask but slightly more coarse and with longer underfur and guard hairs |
| Purpose | Used for dubbing bodies and tying tails on nymphs |
| Appearance | Creates a buggier look |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fur
When choosing the right fur for tying Australian opossum fur on a fly hook, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, Australian opossum fur is known for its softness and ease of spinning, making it a versatile material for creating different patterns. It is commonly used for wet flies, nymphs, midges, and streamers due to its ability to absorb water well and its solid breathing qualities. The fur's softness and blend of underfur and guard hairs bring a lifelike quality to any fly pattern.
When selecting the fur, it is important to choose a natural material that is soft and buggy, with the right mix of underfur and guard hairs. The fur should be available in a range of natural and dyed colours to match the specific pattern you are aiming for. The fur's ability to absorb water and its breathing qualities are also important factors, as they ensure the flies look natural.
Additionally, consider the specific type of fly you are creating. For example, if you are tying nymphs, dries, or wet flies, Australian opossum fur can be an excellent choice due to its dubbing qualities. The fur can be spun in a dubbing loop or used directly for dubbing, making it a versatile option.
It is worth noting that Australian opossums are different from North American opossums, which are sometimes referred to as "possums." The fur from both animals can be used for fly-tying, but they have distinct characteristics. Australian opossum fur is known for its softness and versatility, while North American opossum fur, or raccoon fur, is also valued for its softness and usefulness in fly-dressing.
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Preparing the fur
When preparing the fur, it is important to note that Australian opossum fur is quite unique with few exact alternatives. It is similar to a Hare's Mask, as both offer soft underfur with guard hairs mixed throughout. However, Australian opossum fur is slightly more coarse and often has longer underfur and guard hairs. This makes it great for working into various types of wet flies as it absorbs water well and has solid breathing qualities, ensuring your flies look natural.
The fur is also very soft and easy to spin, blending nicely from gradation of colour. It is widely used for a range of different patterns and is particularly good for dubbing bodies and tying tails on nymphs, dries, and wet flies.
To prepare the fur for tying, start by cutting a small clump from the main piece. The amount of fur you cut will depend on the size of the fly you are tying and the desired density of the fur. For a smaller fly, a sparse amount of fur will be more realistic, while a larger fly may require a denser clump of fur.
Next, use a fur comb to gently tease out any clumps or tangles in the fur. This will help create a more natural appearance and ensure the fur moves and flows in the water as intended. After combing, use a pair of sharp scissors to trim the fur to the desired length. You can also shape it to match the specific profile of the fly you are tying.
Once you have prepared the fur, you are ready to begin tying it onto the fly hook.
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Preparing the hook
To prepare the hook when tying an Australian opossum fur fly, you will need a hook, thread, and of course, the opossum fur. The fur should be soft and easy to spin, with a nice gradation of colour. It should also have a blend of underfur and guard hairs to bring life and a buggy look to your fly pattern.
Start by securing the hook in a vice, and then wrap the thread around the hook shank a few times to secure it in place. You want a nice, solid base to work with, so don't be afraid to use plenty of thread. Once you're happy with the base, you can trim the excess thread.
Next, take a small clump of the opossum fur and tease out the fibres to make a thin layer. You want the fibres to be aligned and lying in the same direction. Then, place this clump of fur onto the hook, with the fibres running towards the hook eye. Hold the fur in place with your thumb, and start to wrap the thread around the fur and hook shank, working backwards towards the bend of the hook.
Make sure to keep the thread tight and the wraps close together, so that the fur is secured tightly to the hook. Once you have covered about two-thirds of the hook shank, you can secure the thread with a couple of half-hitch knots. Trim any excess fur, and your hook is ready for the next step!
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Attaching the fur to the hook
When attaching the fur to the hook, you will want to start by preparing the thread base. Wrap your thread around the hook shank, creating a smooth and sturdy base for the fur to be tied onto. The number of wraps will depend on the size of your hook and the desired thickness of the thread base.
Next, cut a small clump of the opossum fur from the hide, ensuring you have a good mix of soft underfur and stiffer guard hairs. The amount of fur you need will depend on the size of your hook and the desired profile of your fly. Take the clump of fur and gently tease out the underfur with your fingers, creating a fluffy base.
Now, place the fur onto the hook, positioning it just above the thread base. Secure the fur by wrapping the thread over it, ensuring each wrap is tight and snug, but being careful not to crush the fur. You can adjust the profile of the fly by trimming the fur with scissors after securing it.
Finally, finish off by creating a smooth thread head and whipping the head to secure the fur in place. You can add a drop of head cement to the thread wraps to ensure everything is locked in place and to give your fly a neat, durable head.
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Finishing touches
When it comes to the finishing touches of tying Australian opossum fur on a fly hook, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, Australian opossum fur is known for its softness, making it easy to work with and ideal for creating a natural look for your flies. This unique material is quite different from other natural options and offers a blend of soft underfur and guard hairs, resulting in a slightly coarser texture and often longer fibres.
To add the finishing touches to your fly pattern, consider the following steps:
- Colour Options: Australian opossum fur is available in a range of natural and dyed colours. Choose a colour that best suits the type of fly you are creating and the fishing conditions you anticipate. The natural gradation of colour in the fur allows for a smooth blend, creating a lifelike appearance for your fly.
- Absorbency and Breathing: One of the advantages of Australian opossum fur is its absorbency. It absorbs water well, which is beneficial for wet flies. Additionally, the fur has excellent breathing qualities, ensuring that your flies look natural and realistic.
- Tying Techniques: When adding the finishing touches, consider the specific tying technique you plan to use. Australian opossum fur is commonly used for dubbing bodies, tying tails on nymphs, and creating a buggier look. It is also suitable for various wet fly patterns.
- Customization: Experiment with different textures and lengths of the fur to create unique finishes. You can trim and shape the fur to your desired effect, adding subtle variations to your flies.
- Final Checks: Before declaring your fly ready for action, carefully inspect your handiwork. Ensure that the fur is securely attached to the hook, with no loose ends or untidy areas that could affect the fly's performance.
Remember, the finishing touches are crucial to achieving the desired look and functionality of your fly. Take your time, pay attention to detail, and feel free to experiment with different techniques to perfect the art of tying Australian opossum fur on a fly hook.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian opossum fur is a versatile material used for tying flies. It is commonly used to dub bodies on nymphs, emergers, wet flies, scuds/sowbugs, and streamers.
Australian opossum fur is soft, buggy, and available in a range of natural and dyed colours. It has a blend of underfur and guard hairs that bring life to any fly pattern. It absorbs water well and has good breathing qualities, ensuring that flies look natural.
Australian opossum fur is easy to work with and can be dubbed on its own or blended with other synthetic dubbings. It has the right blend of underfur and guard hairs, making it ideal for a variety of fly patterns.
Australian opossum fur can be purchased from fly fishing suppliers, such as Trident Fly Fishing and J. Stockard Fly Fishing.
