Infallible Klinkhammer Fly

Description

Historical Significance and Pattern Evolution

The Infallible Klinkhammer  fly represents an innovative variation of Hans van Klinken’s revolutionary Klinkhammer Special pattern. This enhanced version features a distinctive salmon-pink post and hare’s ear body with a short red tail section, making it highly visible in all conditions. The pattern builds upon the original Klinkhammer’s emerger design, which revolutionized fly fishing with its unique curved hook presentation that allows part of the fly to ride in the surface film while the body hangs below.

Premium Materials and Construction Details

Essential Materials List:

• Hook: Curved Klinkhammer hook (sizes 12-16)
• Thread: Brown or black 8/0
• Post: Salmon-pink synthetic fiber
• Body: Hare’s ear dubbing
• Tail: Red fibers
• Thorax: Darker dubbing
• Hackle: High-quality grizzly or brown
• Rib: Fine copper wire (optional)
• Wing: CDC or synthetic
• Head: Thread with clear finish

Material Selection Considerations:

• Hook shape crucial for presentation
• Thread strength affects durability
• Post visibility in various lights
• Body dubbing texture important
• Hackle quality determines float
• Rib material adds segmentation
• Wing materials affect visibility
• Head finish protects materials
• Material preparation affects profile
• Storage conditions preserve materials

Detailed Tying Instructions

Preparation Steps:

1. Select appropriate hook size
2. Choose quality materials
3. Prepare post material
4. Select hackle feather
5. Organize workspace
6. Check tools
7. Plan proportions
8. Review pattern
9. Test thread strength
10. Prepare dubbing

Step-by-Step Tying Sequence:

1. Start thread behind eye
2. Create uniform thread base
3. Tie in tail fibers
4. Attach post material
5. Form tapered body
6. Add thorax dubbing
7. Tie in and wrap hackle
8. Build neat head
9. Whip finish
10. Apply head cement
11. Check proportions
12. Test flotation

Advanced Fishing Techniques

Presentation Methods:

• Traditional dry fly
• Emerger presentation
• Downstream drift
• Upstream presentation
• Cross-current fishing
• Film fishing
• Current seam presentation
• Structure approaches
• Pattern combinations
• Selective fish tactics

Water Reading Skills:

• Identify feeding lanes
• Recognize current breaks
• Spot rising fish
• Detect surface activity
• Read water clarity
• Locate prime lies
• Find transition zones
• Identify temperature breaks
• Track fish movement
• Monitor insect activity

Seasonal Strategies

Spring Tactics:

• Match early hatches
• Focus on warming water
• Target active fish
• Adjust presentation
• Monitor temperatures
• Watch for rises
• Follow fish movement
• Time presentations
• Adapt to conditions
• Match natural drift

Summer Applications:

• Early morning fishing
• Late evening sessions
• Target shade lines
• Focus on riffles
• Match daily patterns
• Observe feeding windows
• Adjust to conditions
• Monitor water levels
• Watch temperatures
• Time presentations

Fall Approaches:

• Match late-season hatches
• Target feeding fish
• Adjust presentation style
• Watch water conditions
• Monitor temperatures
• Follow movement patterns
• Adapt to weather
• Time efforts effectively
• Match natural drift
• Adjust techniques

Technical Rigging Considerations

Leader Construction:

• Long, tapered leaders
• Quality tippet material
• Proper diameter selection
• Breaking strength considerations
• Length adjustments
• Material choices
• Knot selection
• Visibility factors
• Float characteristics
• Setup variations

Terminal Tackle:

• Direct connection methods
• Leader construction
• Line control
• Strike detection
• Float adjustment
• Pattern spacing
• Drift control
• Presentation angles
• Setup modifications
• Tippet selection

Habitat-Specific Tactics

Water Types:

• Freestone streams
• Spring creeks
• Tailwaters
• Small brooks
• Large rivers
• Mixed waters
• Clear streams
• Pocket water
• Riffles
• Pools

Specific Locations:

• Feeding lanes
• Current seams
• Structure edges
• Bank water
• Mid-stream
• Transitions
• Drop-offs
• Shallow flats
• Deep runs
• Protected areas

Advanced Presentation Methods

Traditional Techniques:

• Upstream dry fly
• Downstream presentation
• Cross-current drift
• Reach cast
• Pile cast
• Parachute cast
• Aerial mend
• Stack mend
• Curve cast
• Wiggle cast

Modern Adaptations:

• Multiple fly rigs
• Indicator techniques
• Film fishing methods
• Edge water tactics
• Structure approaches
• Pattern combinations
• Presentation modifications
• Depth control
• Speed variations
• Drift management

Pattern Variations

Size Considerations:

• Match natural insects
• Consider water type
• Adapt to pressure
• Account for clarity
• Follow seasonal trends
• Consider fish size
• Match preferences
• Adapt to conditions
• Consider speed
• Match forage base

Style Variations:

• Traditional post colors
• CDC enhanced
• Flash variations
• Emerger version
• No-hackle variant
• Thorax style
• Film variant
• Low-floating version
• High-floating version
• Spent pattern

The Infallible Klinkhammer represents the perfect fusion of traditional design and modern innovation. Its carefully selected materials and precise construction ensure consistent performance across various fishing conditions. Whether targeting selective trout during specific hatches or searching for opportunistic feeders, this pattern provides the perfect tool for successful dry fly fishing throughout the season.