This fly will catch brown and rainbow trout, and even salmon and sea-trout. The head of soft and buoyant deer hair ensures the fly sits right in the surface, and also creates a fish-attracting wake when retrieved.
Material list for the Muddled Daddy
Hook: Size 10-12 nymph hook
Thread: Brown
Rib: Fine gold wire
Body: Hare or fox squirrel fur and gold Lite-Brite
Legs: Knotted cock pheasant tail fibres
Head: Spun and clipped roe deer body hair
![Step 1. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-1.jpg)
Step 1. Run the tying thread on at the eye, carrying it down to the bend in close turns. At the bend catch in a length of fine gold wire.
![Step 2. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-2.jpg)
Step 2. Secure the waste end of wire along the shank then dub a pinch of fur on to the thread. Wind the fur along the shank in touching turns.
![Step 3. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-3.jpg)
Step 3. Apply the dubbed fur until it has covered three-quarters of the shank and formed a slim body. Wind on evenly spaced turns of gold wire.
![Step 4. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-4.jpg)
Step 4. Secure the end of the wire then add three legs of knotted pheasant tail to each side of the body. Trim off the waste ends of pheasant tail.
![Step 5. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-5.jpg)
Step 5. Select a pinch of roe deer hair, removing any fluff or damaged fibres. With the tips projecting over the body apply loose thread turns.
![Step 6. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-6.jpg)
Step 6. Gently pull the thread tight. This will cause the hair to flare and spin around the shank. Use fingers to help it around the shank if necessary.
![Step 7. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-7.jpg)
Step 7. Work the thread through the hair so that it is locked securely to the shank. When the thread has reached the eye, draw the hair back.
![Step 8. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-8.jpg)
Step 8. Cast off the thread with a whip finish. Using small, precise cuts, trim the hair around the head to create a rounded shape.
![Step 9. Muddled Daddy.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/muddled_daddy-9.jpg)
Step 9. Keep snipping until all of the grey hair has been trimmed to shape, leaving only the brown tips to form a collar projecting over the body.