Backstabber Carp Fly Tying Instructions

While originally designed for carp, Jay Zimmerman's Backstabber Leech has also proven itself effective on other species, including bass and trout. A black fly with sliver eyes tied on a number six hook, the Backstabber Leech, also known as the Backstabber Carp Fly, is designed to be fished as a wet fly and is effective for both moving and still water presentations. While the fly is traditionally tied with a black body and wings, to simulate a black leech, it is also tied in brown or rust colors to simulate crayfish.

Tying Instructions

• 1

  Place a number six hook in the fly vise, with the point at the bottom, facing forward. Wrap the top of the hook shank with approximately eight turns of waxed monocord, until the cord is approximately even with the point of the hook.

• 2

  Set the eyes on the top of the hook, just forward of where the wrapped monocord ends. Wrap the eyes with the monocord in a figure-eight pattern. Coat with head cement.

• 3

  Wrap the shank of the hook with waxed monocord, starting at the eyes, until it is even with the barb of the hook. Create a two inch dubbing loop (for the body material) by wrapping the monocord over a finger of your free hand. While holding the loop downward with your finger, wrap the monocord back to the front of the hook. Do not cut the monocord.

• 4

  Create the body by placing dubbing crossways into the dubbing loop and twisting the end of the loop in your fingers, creating a fuzzy thread. Wrap the twisted dubbing forward, around the eyes in a figure-eight pattern, to the spot where the monocord begins. Tie-off and cut the monocord.

• 5

  Prepare two pieces of black feathers, about twice the length of the hook, for the wings by moistening and slicking back. Lay the feather along one side of the shank, leaving approximately one inch sticking out behind the hook. Wrap and tie off. Repeat for other wing.

• 6

  Wrap a small piece of olive hackle, forward of the eyes, for the head. Wrap two to three times while smoothing the hackle backwards. Tie-off and cut the cord. Seal with head cement.