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Reverse Marabou Tube Fly – Tying Instructions

How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Will catch fish.. Photos: Kyle Shea.

Today we’re coming at you with a variation of what we think is one of the most versatile salmon/steelhead patterns of all time, Larimer’s reverse marabou tube fly.

Popularized by steelhead guide, Tom Larimer, the reverse marabou tube fly is literally tied backwards. This allows the fibers to fight against the current creating a larger profile with minimal materials. Don’t take our word for it however, check out a great video on the advantages of the reverse marabou tube, here!

The version shown below is a bit different than the original pattern, but one we’ve found makes for an extremely effective fly that is not only inexpensive but extremely quick to tie. Plus, it can be tied in basically any color combination possible. Essentially everything we want in a steelhead or salmon fly. We tie them by the dozen and would recommend you do too.

Materials:

  • Tube: HMH Large Poly Tube – Orange
  • Thread: UTC 140 – Flame Orange
  • Wing: Blue Blood Quill Marabou over Black Blood Quill Marabou
  • Dubbing Ball: UV Polar Chenille – Pearl
  • Flash: Black and Dark Blue Flashabou
  • Collar: Black Schlappen
  • Head: Large (1/4″) Hareline Tube Cone Head – Fluorescent Orange
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Step 1: Attach thread at the back of the tube. Keep in mind that this will end up being the front of the fly when we’re finished.
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Step 2: Catch in a black marabou feather at the tip and wrap forward in touching turns. Take care to stroke fibers back as you wrap to avoid trapping any fibers. Trim excess.
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Step 3: Catch in a second marabou feather (in this case blue) and wrap forward in similar fashion.
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Step 4: Tie in some UV Polar Chenille (we used pearl here), wrap forward 3-5 turns, and tie off. Then, create a nice ‘head’ with your thread, whip finish, and trim.
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Step 5: Remove fly from vice and insert tube in opposite direction. Stroke fibers back out of your way and re-attach thread to what is now the ‘front’ of the fly.
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Step 6: Add a few strands of black and/or blue Flashabou on each side of the fly.
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Step 7: Add a few wraps of black schlappen hackle to clean up the front of the fly.
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Step 8: Add a hot colored cone to the head of the fly and melt the end of the tube to secure.
How to tie a reverse marabou tube fly for steelhead
Just add water..

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