Klinkhammer hooks have a very cool shape. Dries tied on them look like emergers/cripples, struggling to break free from their shucks. To trout, they look like sitting ducks. I know some anglers who enjoy tremendous success with such hooks. In fact, one guy I’ve met no longer ties with “regular” dry-fly hooks.
I’ve had good luck using those hooks to make “floating nymphs.” Size 16 floating Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears can do well.
I like the Orvis Klinkhammer hook, as it is made with thin wire, which makes for easy hook penetration. The light hook also helps the fly float, if you’re making it with a sparse amount of hackle.
I’ve been playing around with smaller sizes. Here’s a recent tie, on a size 20 hook. I used thread for the body to create a slim profile. Just a touch of Coq de Leon for the shuck. Hackle and polyyarn for the legs and wings, respectively. I trim the bottom of the hackle, so that this fly will sit flush in the surface film.
We’ll see if it works.
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Great looking little bug – Klinkhammers are awesome.
I love these hooks too, and have found them very effective. My one complaint is I find it hard to get the hook out of the fish’s mouth. Have you had this issue?
No, actually. I pinch down all my barbs. Easy to remove the hook. Better hook sets, too.