Here is an old attractor-pattern dry fly from the days when we still used floss for fly bodies.  It is akin to another old standby, the Renegade.  The Spokane Special was named by Ed Plummer of the old Spokane Sporting Goods when he and Ed Karrer were partners in that business.  It has been a favorite in the Northwest for many years and is especially good when Mayflies are out.  This pattern is very effective at Browns Lake; indeed, it is a great temptation to any cutthroat.  Because of its double hackle this fly is a very good floater.

Hook:  Size 8 - 16.............
Tail:  Red hackle fibers.......
Rear hackle:  Grizzly.........
Body:  Yellow floss...........
Rib:  black floss..................
Wings:  Die-cut veined wing material
(or substitute Grizzly Hackle tips or poly yarn)
Front Hackle:  Brown.......

1. Pinch the barb and line the hook with thread.  Tie in the tail.

2. Wind the rear hackle.  Make it ever so slightly smaller than the fore hackle.

3. Attach the body and rib.  Treat the body-rib with a coat of cement.  Tie in the wing material.

4. Wind the fore hackle.  Make it a tiny bit bigger than the rear hackle.  Make a small head, whip finish, and cement.

Gene Lorenson Illustrations