Are you looking for a fly pattern that consistently catches fish when nothing else works? The Klinkhammer fly is a globally recognized pattern. It has saved the day many times for anglers when fish were not hatching. This pattern is effective for both grayling and trout.
First, we will explore the fly’s famous history. Next, you will learn why the design of the Klinkhåmer Special is so deadly effective. Finally, we provide step-by-step tying instructions and expert fishing techniques.
History of the Klinkhåmer Special: Hans van Klinken’s Iconic Emerger
The Klinkhammer fly has a fascinating origin story. It was devised by Dutch angler Hans van Klinken in the early 1980s. Hans van Klinken created the pattern on June 27, 1984. He was fishing for Grayling in the River Glomma in central Norway.
The Creator and Origin Date
The original pattern was called the LT Caddis (light tan). Hans de Groot and Ton Lindhout gave it the famous name Klinkhåmer Special. You may also hear it called the Klinkhamer, Klinkhammer, or Clinck.
Hans van Klinken performed a stomach sample (autopsy) on two or three large grayling. He discovered their stomachs were full of large caddis pupae. These insects were right on the point of emerging. He noted that the insects all had a specific curved abdomen shape. This inspired the unique design of the Klinkhammer.
Imitation Goal
The Klinkhammer fly was designed to imitate an emerging caddisfly. This pattern is meant to copy insects struggling in the surface film. It is now regarded as an absolute standard for trout and grayling worldwide. This makes it perhaps the most adaptable emerger pattern ever made.
Why the Klinkhammer Fly is the Ultimate Emerger Pattern
The effectiveness of the Klinkhammer fly comes from its unique structure. It presents a realistic imitation of a struggling insect. This design is much different from other standard parachute dry flies.
The Unique Emerger Style and Hook Shape
The Klinkhammer style requires the fly’s body and abdomen to hang down below the surface. The fly’s parachute hackle floats the fly in the surface film. The thorax area of the hook is flattened to help it float correctly on the surface. This design mimics the insect escaping its nymphal shuck.
To achieve this profile, the fly must use a specialized hook. The hook has a curved shank and a wide gap. The shank includes a short straight section before the exaggerated bend. The original hook approved by Hans van Klinken is the Daiichi 1167. Other approved options include the Partridge 15BNX, which has an extra bend at the eye.
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Function of the Submerged Body/Abdomen
The submerged abdomen is the most crucial part of the Klinkhammer fly. This part acts as a “trigger point” that fish notice easily. The trout see the body from a great distance.
Hans van Klinken calls the Klinkhåmer Special his “Iceberg fly”. He says that 7/10 or 8/10 of the fly is submerged underwater. Furthermore, the hackle is tied with the shiny side up. This unique method causes the parachute hackle to form a slight upward V-shape. This V-shape allows the thorax and body to sink even deeper into the surface film.
Success Against Trout and Grayling
The Klinkhammer emerger is a highly buoyant pattern. This buoyancy allows it to float even in fast-moving water. It is extremely effective for catching trout and grayling. Anglers worldwide should have this fly in their fly box.
How to tie the Klinkhammer Fly: Essential Materials and Step-by-Step Guide
Tying the Klinkhammer fly requires specific materials to achieve the correct profile. Start with larger hooks (like a size 10) if you are new to tying. This will make the process easier. The basic tying steps remain the same regardless of color variation.
Specialized Klinkhammer Hook Selection
The fly is tied on hooks specifically designed for the pattern. Hans van Klinken approved the Daiichi 1167 Klinkhåmer hook. Other reliable options include Partridge 15BNX and Hanak H390BL. These hooks ensure the body hangs correctly underwater. The Klinkhammer can be tied in sizes ranging from #8 to #20.
Key Materials for the Klinkhammer Special Pattern (Size 12 Example)
Hook: Klinkhammer style, Size 12.
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Thread: Black 6/0 or Uni-thread 8/0. Hans may use two threads: a thicker one for the body and finer Spiderweb thread for the hackle.
Wing: White poly-yarn or CDC feathers. Poly-yarn is preferred as it holds more air and floatant. Use a highly visible color like orange or pink for easier tracking.
Body: Tan dubbing (Fly-Rite No. 19 is used for the original light tan version).
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Thorax: Peacock herl (typically three strands).
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Hackle: Dun hackle, tied Parachute style. Blue dun, light ginger, or grizzle are good choices.
Step-by-Step Fly Tying Tips (Parachute Style)
First, place the specialized hook in the vise. Attach your thread behind the hook eye.
Next, attach the poly-yarn or CDC wing material. Secure it tightly at the midpoint of the flat shank. Use a thread dam or jam knot in front of the wing to make it stand up vertically.
Then, cut a long taper into the wing material’s butt end. Secure the trimmed material down the shank to form a tapered underbody. Bring the thread to the bend of the hook.
After that, select and prepare your hackle feather. Tie the hackle stem in so the shiny side is facing up. This ensures the hackle forms an upward V when wrapped. Secure the hackle along the wing post.
Next, dub the body material onto the thread. Create a slim body that tapers from the bend upward. Finish the dubbing at the flat section of the hook (the thorax area).
Finally, secure three strands of peacock herl at the rear of the abdomen. Twist the herl into a rope. Wrap the peacock herl forward to create a dense thorax. Tie off the herl behind the eye and whip finish.
To finish the parachute, rotate the fly so the post is horizontal. Wind the hackle carefully around the post. Each turn must sit tightly underneath the previous turn. Secure the hackle tip with thread and whip finish underneath the hackles. Trim the post to length.
Fishing the Klinkhammer Fly: Techniques for Success
The Klinkhammer fly is a versatile pattern that works in several setups. It is excellent when trout and grayling are feeding near the surface during a hatch.
Standard Single Dry Fly Rig
The simplest method is fishing the Klinkhammer as a single dry fly. You should cast the fly about three feet above a rising fish. Maintain contact with the fly as it drifts. Mending the line upstream prevents drag.
The Klink and Dink (New Zealand Style/Duo) Setup
The Klink and Dink method is highly effective. In this setup, the highly buoyant Klinkhammer emerger is used as a dry fly indicator (the Klink). A submerged nymph or buzzer (the Dink) is tied off the Klink. This method is great for prospecting new water. If a fish takes the nymph, the Klinkhammer pattern acts as a visible bite indicator.
Note: When fishing this style with barbless hooks, tying the nymph directly off the hook bend carries a small risk of the mono slipping off. Some anglers prefer tying the nymph to a short dropper line instead.
Using a Klinkhammer as a Sighter in a Double Dry Setup
The Klinkhammer fly works well as a sighter fly. This is useful when smaller dry flies are difficult to see on the water. You can tie a large Klinkhammer with a colored post (like orange or yellow) as the lead fly. A smaller dry fly can then be tied on a dropper about two feet up the leader.
Tips on Applying Floatant
It is crucial to apply floatant correctly to the Klinkhåmer Special. Do not treat the entire fly.
- Only apply floatant to the parachute hackle and the post.
- The body should be left untreated or deliberately wet. This helps the body sink below the surface film.
- If your wing material is CDC, only use CDC-specific floatant.
Conclusion
The Klinkhammer fly is a must-have pattern for any fly box. Its unique, effective design mimics a vulnerable emerging insect. This pattern is successful worldwide for grayling and trout. Whether tying the fly or fishing it in a Klink and Dink rig, this emerger delivers results.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Klinkhammer Fly
What insect does the Klinkhammer fly imitate?
The Klinkhammer is a specific imitation of an emerging insect. It most often represents a caddisfly pupa. It works because it shows the insect caught while struggling to break the surface tension.
Who invented the Klinkhammer Special?
The Klinkhåmer Special was devised by Dutch angler Hans van Klinken. It was first tied on June 27, 1984, in Norway.
What is the purpose of the curved Klinkhammer hook?
The specially curved hook (such as the Daiichi 1167) is essential. It ensures that the body of the Klinkhammer fly hangs down below the water’s surface. This submerged abdomen acts as a key “trigger point” for fish.
Is the Klinkhammer meant to float high on the water?
No, the Klinkhammer is designed to sit low. The hackle and post float, but the body is meant to be submerged. Hans van Klinken refers to it as his “Iceberg fly” because most of it is underwater.
Can the Klinkhammer fly be used as an indicator?
Yes, the buoyant and visible Klinkhammer fly is commonly used as an indicator. It is used in a dry fly/dropper setup (the Klink and Dink) to suspend a submerged nymph.
