The Dolly Llama might as well be called the “Fly of Alaska.” It has earned the reputation as the most effective fly in Alaska. Contrast, profile, and movement are essential qualities that make it very effective for trout.
All that said, it is not the easiest fly to cast because of its weight. With Two-handed rods being in the now, smaller rods are challenged in casting this effective beast of a fly. So Mike Brown, being the innovative guy he is, found a way to leverage all the elements of the original Dolly Llama and make it more “castable.”
If you like Trout Spey, especially in Alaska, this may become the “goto” fly pattern. That said, whether single-hander or two-hander, the Ultra Rig Mini Llama will help you catch a lot of fish.
Originator: Mike Brown
Tie, Instructions, and Photos by Mike Brown of Mossy’s Fly Shop in Anchorage, Alaska. Mike Brown is the owner of Mossy’s Fly Shop.
Material List:
- Shank: Aqua Shank 33mm
- Cone: Hareline Brass Cone Nickle Large
- Ultra Rig Assy: Aqua Ultra Tube & Fireline 30lb White
- Hook: Firehole 714 sz8
- Body: Veevus Mini Flat Braid Pearl
- Throat: UV Red Ice Dub
- Wing: Micro Pulsator Rabbit Blk Barred Olive Variant
Step 1. Place your shank in the vise with the conehead installed. Tie in your ultra tube assembly and secure it down to the shank.
Step 2. Tie in your flat braid and run your thread forward, leaving 1/8 to 1/4″ of space behind the cone.
Step 3. Using your dubbing, create a small ball.
Step 4. Tie in your rabbit strip wing. Cut the rabbit so that you have a little bit of fur extending past the hook.
Step 5. Rotate the fly upside down and tie in the rabbit belly wing. Cut this strip just a little short of the point of the hook. You don’t want the belly covering the hook point or gap.
Step 6. Create a dubbing loop and place some of the rabbit wing fun into the loop, and spin. Wrap the loop a few turns, forcing the collar into the cone. This will cover up your wings and make the cone tight—whip finish.
Completed Fly:
Other Ultra Rig Flies:
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