Hedgehogs, they are simply fantastic flies and I’ve waxed lyrical about the deadly attraction these flies have on our trout many times.

This time I simply wanted to show off another little twist in a colour combination I love so much; the Olive Hog and this time using Picric Dyed Roe Deer Hair along with Medium Olive Microglint thread.

Legs on Hogs are optional, and I tie both; with and without only this time I’ve added them in and in keeping with the Picric Dyed deer hair I’ve also went for Picric Dyed pre-knotted pheasant tail legs as it compliments this colour combination perfectly.

Picric Olive Hedgehog dressing mat

Hook; Partridge G3A/L Wet Fly Supreme #10 to #14 (#12 in the tutorial)
Tag; Semperfli chartreuse florescent 8/0 waxed thread
Thread; Semperfli medium olive Microglint
Tail; Tying thread trimmed square and well picked out. (Tail is another optional extra, and I sometimes tie it in, other times leave it out depending if I want a little added sparkle or not)
Wing; Semperfli picric dyed roe deer hair tied in three sections along the hook)
Legs; Semperfli picric dyed pre-knotted pheasant tail. (Approx 3 either side)
Head; Semperfli Peacock Ice Dubbing. (Brush out well back over the fly)

Step 1 Catch in the floro thread and run to top of bend then back in touching turns. Whip finish and remove thread.
Step 1 Catch in the floro thread and run to top
Step 2 Catch in the Microglint leaving tag end long, double this twice and secure to form tail and bring tying thread back so it is in line with barb.
Step 2 Catch in the Microglint leaving tag end long,
Step 3 Trim the tail 'square' and brush out fibres.
Step 3 Trim the tail 'square' and brush out fibres.
Step 4 Cut a small bunch of deer hair. (Note cut tight to skin to ensure no off-cut ends come away with next bunch)
Step 4 Cut a small bunch of deer hair. (Note cut tight to skin to ensure no off-cut ends come away with next bunch)
Step 5 Stack the deer hair
Step 5 Stack the deer hair
Step 6 Set hair on top of hook with tips just short of tail. Grip tightly to ensure the hair is set where you want it and doesn't 'spin' around hook
Step 6 Set hair on top of hook with tips just short of tail. Grip tightly to ensure the hair is set where you want it and doesn't 'spin' around hook
Step 7 Tighten thread a few turns to secure the deer hair allowing tag ends to flare.
Step 7 Tighten thread a few turns to secure the deer hair allowing tag ends to flare.
Step 8 Gather all tag ends together and trim tightly to hook before securing with thread. Then Repeat steps 4 to 7 twice more
Step 8 Gather all tag ends together and trim tightly to hook before securing with thread. Then Repeat steps 4 to 7 twice more
Step 9 Pick out legs and tie in 3 each side. Secure, trim away waste
Step 9 Pick out legs and tie in 3 each side. Secure, trim away waste
Step 10 Take a pinch of Ice Dubbing and form 'dubbing rope'. Wind on to form head.
10 Take a pinch of Ice Dubbing and form 'dubbing rope'.
Step 11 Whip finish once, drop a small amount of varnish on thread and whip finish second time.
Step 11 Whip finish once, drop a small amount of varnish on thread and whip finish second time.
Step 12 Trim away tying thread and brush the dubbing well out and back over fly
Step 12 Trim away tying thread and brush the dubbing well out and back over fly
Finished Fly
Finished Fly

Allan Liddle

Based in Moray in Scotland's North East, Allan has specialises with the wild trout from the rivers and burns, lochs and lochans throughout Mainland Scotland and the Isles. A strong passion for fishing simple dries he feels there's nothing better than to see the fish take off the top, but isn't slow to fish a range of different styles when mood or conditions dictate. Although trout is his first love Allan occasionally chases the Salmon, Grayling stocked fish and even dabbles in salt water when the chance arises.

Allan has also represented Scotland at international level, is a GAIA qualified trout instructor and a has been a regular contributor to Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Magazine for almost twenty years. Allan’s love of fly tying spans almost thirty years and has been a regular at many tying demonstrations and work shops prior to, and since joining the Partridge Pro-Team in 2013.

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