Fly tying: The Gallagher Special

Here's a great wet-fly pattern for searching for trout—it's been something of a "secret" fly along the East Coast for years.

Above, Matt Grobert ties the Gallagher Special, a fairly simple pattern to tackle at the vise and one that many tailwater anglers in the Northeast simply swear by. It's a handsome fly, too, and that makes it fun to tie. 

Here in the West, I'd use this pattern—maybe with a bit of weight—in the spring during higher water, and up close to banks were trout fry and small baitfish might be hiding. Also, given the size of the fly (Grober ties it in a size 14), I can also see it being an effective early season carp fly, as it could be perceived by the fish as a damselfly nymph. 

Give it a shot and see what you think. 

— Chris Hunt