T.G. Black Ops
T.G. Black Ops
By definition a black operation (or black op) is a covert operation or clandestine operation by an agency, organization or group. Key features of a black operation are that it is secret and it is not attributable to the individuals carrying it out. The main difference between a black operation and one that is merely secret is that a black operation involves a significant degree of deception, to conceal who is behind it or to make it appear that some other entity is responsible. This certainly sounds like a day of fly-fishing to me!

While the T.G. Black Ops may look like just another small generic nymph, it is actually an effective replica for a number of aquatic insects. This nymph pattern works particularly well when you wish to cover off hatches of early or late season midges, blue-winged olives, or little black stoneflies. It also works well as the go to dropper fly on a dry/dropper rig.

As this fly is easy to tie, it will take you no time at all to fill up a row in your nymph box. So, tie on the T.G. Black Ops next time you need to feed an Alberta or Montana trout, grayling or whitefish.

Materials
Hook: Tiemco TMC 2457 - size 14
Thread: UTC 140 – black
Bead: Brite grey bead – 7/64”
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers - black
Rib: UTC ultra wire small - gray
Body: Super Fine dry fly dubbing – black
Legs: Krystal Flash – gray ghost
Thorax: Ice Dub – peacock black and Hare’s Ear Plus – black (50/50 blend)

Tying Instructions
Step 1. Thread the bead onto the hook and then insert the hook into the vise.
Step 2. Attach the thread and wrap down to the mid point of the hook.
Step 3. Tie down six pheasant tail fibers so that they extend one hook gap length off the back of the hook. Trim the excess butt ends.
Step 4. Wrap the thread forward to the point just behind the bead binding down a 2” length of grey wire in the process. Return wrap the thread back over the wire and pheasant tail fibers stopping at the tail/body junction.
Step 5.  Twist a pinch of Super Fine dry fly dubbing onto the thread and proceed to wrap forward to the bead resulting in a tight, nicely tapered, dubbed body along the length of the hook.
Step 6. Spiral wrap the gray wire in equal segments up the body and tie off behind the bead.
Step 7. Return wrap the thread down the hook 1/3 of the hook length. Bind down four krystal flash legs on each side of the body.
Step 8. Trim the krystal flash legs so they extend back to the bend in the hook.
Step 9.  Twist a pinch of black dubbing mix onto the thread and wrap forward creating a bulky thorax that ends directly behind the bead.
Step 10. Whip finish and carefully apply a small amount of head cement to the exposed thread wraps on the collar of the fly. If needed, pluck out some of the dubbed thorax fibers to give it a spikey appearance.
Your T.G. Black Ops is now complete and you are ready to head out On The Water!

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