Dry FliesTom Thumb
The Tom Thumb is a classic deer hair dry fly that originated in England in the 1940s but was popularized in Canada. Essentially a Humpy without hackle, it features a shellback design using deer hair over a peacock herl body. The combination of deer hair and peacock herl creates an irresistible profile for trout and grayling.
Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout, Grayling
Overview
The Tom Thumb's origins are debated—some attribute it to England in the 1940s, though deer hair was rarely used there at that time. Canada is where the pattern truly flourished, being a birthplace of deer hair fly patterns. Nature's Spirit Humpy deer hair is recommended for optimal stacking in sizes #8–#12. By adjusting wing length, the pattern becomes Borger's Devil Bug (shorter wing) or a Cooper Bug variant (even shorter).
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Mustad R50, size #8–#14
Thread: Dyneema
Tail: Deer hair, stacked
Body: Peacock herl
Shellback: Deer hair
Wing: Deer hair, upright
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during summer and fall when terrestrial and attractor patterns excel. Works well from June through October on freestone streams and tailwaters.
Presentation
Fish as a skater pattern by twitching across the surface. The large upright wing pushes water and creates movement that attracts aggressive strikes. Can also be dead-drifted in calmer water.
When to Use
Best during afternoon hours when trout are looking up. Effective when no specific hatch is present as a general attractor. Particularly productive during caddis activity or when fish are opportunistically feeding.
Water Type
Ideal for riffles, pocket water, and broken surface conditions where its buoyancy keeps it visible. Works well in freestone streams with moderate to fast current.
Rigging Suggestions
Use 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. Effective as a lead fly in a dry-dropper rig with a small nymph trailing 12–18 inches below. Apply floatant to the deer hair wing for extended floatation.
Visibility & Floatation
Rides high on the water thanks to the buoyant deer hair wing and shellback. The peacock herl body adds natural flash and movement. Excellent visibility to both angler and fish due to the prominent upright wing.
