How to Tie Lake Flies | The Suspender Backswimmer

[@TightLinesNW]

Really interesting pattern Phil. Thanks for sharing!

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Phil

[@barrylloyd8554]

Thanks Phil.

[@SugarDad1]

Very interesting fly Phil, thanks for sharing, appreciate your creativity. I will tie and fish those, I'm confident they will get smashed at the right times. Do you have/have you seen a "dry fly" backswimmer pattern? One with a higher float profile then the standard foam versions? In my area (your area too) this fall the fish were showing a definite preference for high floating backswimmers that had unsuccessfully broken the surface tension of the water. The most successful patterns were actual dry flies in a similar size/shape to the naturals. I would love to fish a better representation of a "dry" backswimmer. All the best, Ayr.

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

Hi Ayr, By far my favourite backswimmer pattern is my Greater Water Floatman. It rides in or just under the surface film. A brisk, choppy, hand twist also helps keep it up. You could also add floatant to it as well. I often get takes as soon as it lands so you have to ready for it. I suppose you could tie a pattern with foam on both sides to get it to ride higher. Something to experiment with. 🤔 Cheers, Phil

[@SugarDad1]

@@PhilRowleyFlyFishing Hello Phil, Thank you for the response and suggestions. I will take your advice and try adding floatant to the flies. We had been experimenting with foam on both sided this fall, with success. Can you believe, I am looking for something that floats even higher-above the surface film! Cheers, Ayr.

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

@@SugarDad1 Perhaps its time for a spider backswimmer? 🤔 Cheers, Phil

[@SugarDad1]

@@PhilRowleyFlyFishing Haha yeah! I look forward to your video on it!😉🥂

[@byronwestman6608]

Great video, thanks for sharing. What line and leader set up do your recommend.

[@PhilRowleyFlyFishing]

As this fly is designed to be fished near the surface I use a floating line or perhaps a Midge Tip if I am using a washing line set up. Leader is usually around 12-feet in total. Cheers, Phil