Description
Gary Cooper Spey a Classic Inspired Spey Fly
Gary Cooper Spey is a seductive, classic-inspired spey fly dressed on a premium Alex Jackson 2052 silver spey hook, delivering that irresistible swing trout and steelhead can’t ignore.
Tied with Semperfli Classic 6/0 Black thread, it starts with a sharp embossed gold tinsel tag for subtle flash. A delicate gold wire rib wraps the body, built from a rich 50/50 mix of Monster Brush fur in Claret and Dark Claret—creating a deep, pulsating wine-red profile that glows underwater.
A flowing Heron Gray Mallard spey hackle sweeps back along the body, providing lifelike movement and profile. The collar of black bird fur adds contrast and depth, while the underwing of claret flash catches light with just the right tease. Finally, the black bear hair wing finishes the fly with a sleek, dark silhouette—elegant yet bold.
Steelhead chase it relentlessly. German Browns adore her sultry profile. Yellowstone Cutthroat can’t resist her teasing swing. Even rainbows are drawn to her stylish dress.
Swinging in the Fall Below the Dearborn on the Missouri Picture this: crisp autumn air, golden cottonwoods lining the banks, and the Missouri River flowing steady and clear just below the historic Dearborn River confluence—right in the shadow of the old Gary Cooper Ranch. The legendary actor’s family ranch once sprawled along the Dearborn’s picturesque valley, with its rustic charm and prime river access still echoed in nearby properties today. In fall, as floating weeds clear (usually by early October), this stretch from the Dearborn mouth downstream becomes prime water for swinging spey flies like the Gary Cooper. Cooler temps and shorter days bring aggressive browns and rainbows out to chase, often in deeper runs and tailouts where the Dearborn’s influence adds a touch of extra current and bug life. The claret hues and subtle flash of this fly mimic autumn-tinged baitfish and leeches, perfect for those long, slow swings through the canyon-edged water. Fewer crowds, stunning fall colors, and the chance at a trophy hero shot—it’s the ideal spot to let the Gary Cooper Spey do its seductive work on the Mighty Mo.
Take Gary for a martini and a swing with the Mae West Spey today—this fly knows how to work the water and close the deal.
Gary Cooper Spey Tying Recipe
Here are detailed step-by-step tying instructions for the Gary Cooper Spey, a classic swinging spey fly dressed on a Alex Jackson 2052 silver spey hook (typically in sizes 1.5 to 7 for steelhead and large trout). This pattern features a rich claret body, flowing heron hackle, and a sleek black bear wing with flash—perfect for steelhead, browns, cutthroat, and rainbows.
Materials Recap
- Hook: Alex Jackson 2052 (or equivalent) silver spey hook, sizes 1.5–7
- Thread: Semperfli Classic 6/0 Black
- Tag: Embossed gold tinsel
- Rib: Fine gold wire
- Body: Monster Brush fur, Claret and Dark Claret mixed 50/50 (or substitute with seal fur/dubbing mix in claret shades)
- Hackle: Heron Gray Mallard spey hackle (long, soft, webby flank feather)
- Collar: Black bird fur (e.g., black Ewing Hackle Body Marabou fibers)
- Underwing: Claret flash (e.g., flashabou flash in claret)
- Wing: Black bear hair or Bucktail
Tying Steps
- Secure the hook in the vise with the point down and shank horizontal. Start the black thread at the eye and wrap a smooth base layer down to the bend of the hook. Build a small thread bump at the bend if needed for better tag adhesion.
- Tie in the tag: Tie in a short piece of embossed gold tinsel at the bend. Wrap it forward 3–5 turns to create a narrow, shiny tag (about 1/8″–3/16″ long), then tie it off and trim excess. Counter-wrap the thread over the tinsel ends to secure.
- Tie in the rib: At the same point (hook bend), tie in a length of fine gold wire and let it hang back temporarily.
- Build the body: Dub or wind the 50/50 claret/dark claret Monster Brush fur (or dubbing) from the tag forward to about 2/3 of the way up the shank, creating a tapered, slightly bulky body. Keep it dense but not overpacked for good movement. Leave room for the hackle and collar.
- Rib the body: Make 4–6 evenly spaced wraps of the gold wire forward over the body in open spirals. Tie off the wire at the front of the body and trim excess. Stroke the body fibers back to smooth them.
- Tie in the spey hackle: Select a high-quality Heron Gray Mallard flank feather (long, webby, and soft). Tie it in by the tip at the front of the body (by the 2/3 point). Make 2–3 wraps of the hackle, stroking the fibers back with each turn so they sweep along the body. Tie off the feather tip and trim excess. The hackle should flow back over about half the body length.
- Add the collar: Tie in a small bunch of black bird fur (or sparse black hackle fibers) as a collar just in front of the hackle. This creates dark contrast and throat definition. Tie it in so the tips extend slightly past the hackle.
- Tie in the underwing/flash: Tie in a sparse pinch of claret flash on top of the shank, right at the eye. Keep it short to medium length—extending just past the hook bend. This adds subtle sparkle without overpowering the pattern.
- Tie in the wing: Select a small bunch of black bear hair (guard hairs for length and profile). Measure it so the tips reach about to the hook point or slightly beyond. Stack or align the tips, then tie it in on top of the shank at the eye, directly over the flash. Use tight wraps to secure, building a smooth head. Trim butts at an angle to taper into the head.
- Finish the head: Build a neat black thread head, whip finish, and apply a drop of head cement (e.g., UV resin or lacquer) for durability.
Tips for Success
- Keep proportions classic: The wing should be slim and low-riding for good swing action.
- The heron hackle is key—use a soft, long-fibered feather for maximum pulsation in the current.
- For larger sizes, add more body bulk; for smaller, keep it slim.
- This fly swings beautifully on Skagit or Scandi setups for steelhead and trout.
Steelhead chase it, German Browns adore her, Yellowstone Cutthroat are tempted by her tease, and rainbows are attracted to her stylish dress.
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