Jim Hickey’s Condor Fly for Redeye Bass

Bass Bug

Tied By Darrell Olson

Hook: 2xl Hopper Hook, Size 8

Thread: Black 140 Denier

Materials-

body: Peacock Herl

underwing: Blue 2mm Foam

overwing: White Calf Tail

legs: White Round Rubber Legs

collar: Dry Fly Brown Hackle

Notes:

Fly fishing guide Jim Hickey originated this pattern for the giant brown trout of Patagonia, Chile, the land of the condor. Jim had seen the large browns striking at the surface of the river and tied this pattern to mimic the local fly. When Jim returned home to his native Virginia, he decided to try the pattern on his local waters, the Shenandoah and James Rivers, and it proved devastatingly effective.

In essence, Hickey’s Condor is a large damsel pattern. In warm climates, this fly is a killer on bass and other panfish. I have also used this pattern in Oregon to imitate Western salmon fly hatches, and it has proven just as effective for Oregon trout. Hickey’s Condor can be dead-drifted or fished like a popping bug. The large hackle collar pushes a great deal of water when stripped, and the fly’s colored body is like a giant indicator. If you like farm ponds and warm water rivers, Hickey’s Condor won’t let you down. Try blue, chartreuse, orange, brown, and black in sizes #6, #8 and #10.