The Tiger Beetle originated with Craig Matthews and his crew in West Yellowstone, Montana. The Tiger Beetle Strips and Zelon Tiger Dubbing may be purchased through the Fly Shop Blue Ribbon Flies. It is a great, easy to tie terrestrial pattern that both the fish and fisherman can see. I like to tie this in sizes # 12 to # 16 and fish this pattern from June through October. Most tiers will crank out a pattern in less than five minutes. It’s surprising the number of quality trout that I’ve taken, fishing this in the middle of a hot, sunny day. Approach a pool w/ stealth, use a long leader and splat the fly down on the edge of a pool. It’s an awesome sight to see a larger brown waking towards a helpless beetle!
Tiger Beetle Material List
Hook: Dai-Riki #320 #12 to #16 or similar dry fly
Thread: Black 6/0
Shell Back: Tiger Beetle Strips:
Body: Black Zelon Tiger Dubbing:
Legs: Small Black Bug Legz, Spandex Legs or Rubber Leg Material
