[Video] How to tie DeFrank’s Grim Reaper

Mark DeFrank ties his signature Grim Reaper, a Great Lakes Steelhead fly pattern.

About Mark DeFrank

Owner of DeFrank Flies and Guide Service, Mark pursues his passion for guiding anglers along Steelhead Alley and matching the hatch on some of the most prestigious waters throughout the Laurel Highlands mountain range.

Mark is a master fly tyer with 35 years experience who routinely instructs novice, intermediate and advanced tiers. Mark has 5 hot patterns published in John Nagy’s Steelhead Guide (4th Edition), with his Blue Steel Caddis being honored in Nagy’s NEW Dirty Dozen.

DeFrank’s Grim Reaper Material List

Hook: Daiichi 1760, sizes 16-8
Thread: Uni Thread 8/0, Brown
Ribbing: Red UTC Ultra Wire, Small
Body: UTC Gold Holographic Tinsel, Medium
Thorax: Dark Hare’s Ear Spirit River Squirrel Brite Dubbing, or equivalent dark earth tone blend
Hackle: Natural Hen Back

Enjoy!

About the author

Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. He created DIY Fly Fishing to help you do the same.

You May Also Like

Get Directions to the Best Places to Fish in America!

Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data.