The Frenchie

[NJTroutbum]

The Frenchie is a proven pattern both here and in Europe. Brought by the French during tournament fishing, it is to them what the Hot-spot Pheasant Tail has been for us. Tied in a myriad of colors, this version is by far the most effective on local waters for me.

Frenchie Recipe


Hook: #14 Orvis Tactical Wide Gape
Thread: Fluorescent Orange 70 Denier Ultra
Bead: Gold Tungsten
Tail: Medium Pardo CDL
Rib: Fine Gold Wire
Abdomen: Natural Pheasant Tail
Thorax: Shrimp UV Ice-Dub

For a full tying video, click on the link below:
Tying the Frenchie Video

 

[fishingnoob]

Had success with these in the winter of 2014 on Neshannock Creek in NW PA. It was 19 degrees out, and I managed 7 trout with the same pattern/color above.

 

[tomk6251]

Haven't tied it with the ice dub, but I like your thinking...nice!

 

[troutpoop]

That looks nice. I have found them especially effective on stockies.

 

[nfrechet]

another great Lance Egan pattern

 

[tctrout]

Any colors that others use? I've had success on pink and orange...

TC

 

[raftman]

Got into this pattern after reading Dynamic Nymphing and it has definitely become one of my go to's, especially on new water.

 

[fishingnoob]

@tctrout

I have tied some using green and peral ice dub as well and had success with each

 

[whheff]

A great fly that works everywhere.

 

[Bogey]

Newbie question here....will pheasant tail work for the tail rather than cdl?

 

[MKern]

Of course it will. there are not very many magic materials that can't have a substitute.
Most flies can have most parts subbed with several different materials; some similar, and others vastly different.

 

[PocketWater]

MKern wrote:
Of course it will. there are not very many magic materials that can't have a substitute.
Most flies can have most parts subbed with several different materials; some similar, and others vastly different.

I've become quite good at this! I don't have a giant cache of tying materials like some folks, but run across patterns I think look good and end up always having to substitute something.

 

[NJTroutbum]

Absolutely. However with this pattern I would go with hackle tips, since that is what CDL is. Maybe a dun or brown. or even a griz/dun mix?

 

[nfrechet]

CDL

http://www.flyfishinghistory.com/coq_de_leon.htm