Mercer's Missing Link

Detailed instructions for tying Mercer's Missing Link.
Hook: Standard dry-fly hook (here a TMC 100), size 12-18.
Thread/abdomen: 6/0 or 140 Denier, olive.
Rib: Krystal Flash, pearl, single strand.
Thorax: Peacock-color dubbing.
Spent wings: Midge Gray straight Zelon.
Hackle: Cree.
Upper wing/head: Bleached elk hair.
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[@Drew__4]

That's a good looking fly

[@Brian-fu9um]

I'm thinking that might make a decent gypsy moth imitation as well. :-)

[@tadgarman8463]

Can I use a finer thread? Like 8/0? 6/0 keeps coming unraveled/splitting when I tie in the spent wings.

[@josephh957]

Yes you can - I use 8/0

[@User-es2yz]

I think I have seen Kelly G do it with a dubbing body and a little bit more materials for “floatability”. Looks like a great pattern.

[@thewinesmith]

It's a proven pattern. I'll vouche for it haha.

[@paulfortier5667]

I have seen this fly in sizes 12 and 14 .. what other sizes would this fly be good in?

[@PAPIGOOSE1]

Paul Fortier how small can you tie. I can see it as a cripple/ spinner for mayflies so 18/22? Flying ant, moth, any bug that splays out. Which is anything with wings whether they fly or not.

[@Belbivdevoe]

Elk hair? Why not short fine deer hair?

[@No_NetMan]

I assume you want the hair to be hollow enough the splay out under thread tension. You might break your thread trying to replicate that with short fine. Either way, you should give it a go and see if you like it!