Many of my friends ask me how I catch so many fish. I’d like to think it has something to do with skill, but many are convinced that one of my concoctions, the Bubble Gum fly, is the real reason. Now I do agree that this fly does catch fish on many occasions and that it is terrific when you have no hatch going on (this is a common occurrence when I get on the river), but it must be “dead drifted” as with all dry flies (the skill part?). Come to think of it, the fly works pretty well when there is a hatch, too. Just match the size to the natural. The Bubble Gum is based upon Craig Matthew’s Sparkle Dun which is a pretty easy fly to tie. The most unique characteristic of this fly is its dubbed body which requires a pink “bubble gum” shade. You know this color, it’s the color of Bazooka bubble gum. Hence, the name. You’ll have to tie these yourself (or get a friend to do the job) because no fly shop that I know has any stock on them. It hasn’t caught on yet but it should, one day. Maybe I’ll get some credit for it, along with Craig Matthews. Enjoy, and remember - catch and release!

*Fly shops usually sell this color of dubbing as “Fluorescent Pink.” Do NOT use magenta colored
dubbing, even if it’s the only kind you can find. I am convinced that using the correct shade of pink is the magic. It’s what makes trout and other fish just to want to bite it. PD

Thread – White
Hook – Tiemco 100(recommended) or other
standard dry fly hook Size – 12 – 18 (16 is myfavorite)
Tail – Amber Zelon (Trimmed short)
Body – Fluorescent Pink dubbing (with Antron if
possible)
Wing – Dun colored deer hair tied Sparkle Dun or
Compara Dun style.
(Montana whitetail is best)