Imitation of Aquatic Isopods with Soft Hackle Fly Tying Techniques

Aquatic Isopods (Sow Bugs)

Aquatic isopods, commonly known as sow bugs or water slaters, are crustaceans found in a variety of freshwater habitats. They are an important food source for trout and other fish, especially in spring creeks and tailwaters. Their segmented body and generally drab coloration (gray, tan, olive) make them relatively easy to imitate.

Materials Selection for Realistic Imitation

Hook Selection

Typically, short-shank, wide-gape hooks in sizes #12-#16 are most effective for imitating the size and shape of aquatic isopods.

Thread

Thread color should match the predominant color of the natural sow bugs in the fishing location. Gray, olive, brown, and tan are common choices. 6/0 or 8/0 thread is appropriate.

Body Material

Various materials can be used for the body, including:

• Dubbing: Gray, olive, or tan synthetic or natural dubbing can be used to create a segmented body.
• Quill: Stripped peacock quill, dyed goose biots, or synthetic quills can be used to create a more realistic segmented appearance.
• Ribbing: Fine wire (copper, silver, gold), floss, or synthetic ribbing materials can be used to create the body segments and provide durability.

Hackle

Soft hackle feathers, such as hen pheasant, partridge, or starling, are selected to imitate the legs and gills of the isopod. Color choices should complement the body color; mottled browns and grays are common choices.

Weighting (Optional)

Lead wire or tungsten beads can be added under the body to help the fly sink quickly and get down to the fish.

Tying Procedure: A Generic Soft Hackle Isopod Pattern

1. Hook Preparation: Secure the hook in the vise. Add weight to the hook shank if desired.
2. Thread Base: Start the thread behind the hook eye and create a smooth thread base extending down the shank to just above the hook point.
3. Ribbing (Optional): Tie in the ribbing material at the tie-in point and secure it along the hook shank.
4. Body Construction: Dub the body material onto the thread and wrap forward, creating a slightly tapered body shape. If using quill or a similar material, wrap it forward to form the body segments.
5. Ribbing Wrap (If Applicable): Wrap the ribbing material forward over the body segments, spacing the wraps evenly to create distinct segmentation. Secure the ribbing material and trim the excess.
6. Hackle Attachment: Select a soft hackle feather and tie it in by the stem just behind the hook eye, perpendicular to the hook shank. Ensure the barbs point rearward.
7. Hackle Wrap: Wrap the hackle feather forward two or three times, stroking the barbs rearward as you wrap. Secure the hackle with thread and trim the excess feather.
8. Head Formation: Form a neat head with thread and whip finish.
9. Cement: Apply head cement or UV resin to the head for durability.

Variations

• Color Variations: Experiment with different color combinations to match local sow bug populations.
• Weighted vs. Unweighted: Adjust the weight of the fly based on the depth of the water and the current conditions.
• Legs Imitation: Add rubber legs or additional hackle barbs to further imitate the legs of the isopod.