Dolly Llama

If you’ve swung flies on the Naknek this fall, chances are good that you’ll recognize this fly. In fact, if you’ve fished anywhere in Alaska, ever, you’ve probably spent a fair bit of time fishing the Dolly Llama. Originally designed for Bull Trout in Oregon and Washington, the Dolly Llama has caught so many salmon and trout in Alaska that it could easily be crowned as the state fly. The name of the game, as with so many successful fly patterns, is versatility. This fly is originally intended to imitate a leech, with its flowing and pulsating rabbit fur fibers. However, by playing with size and color, the Dolly Llama is equally effective at imitating sculpin, small trout, and even broken down salmon flesh. Swing it, strip it, or dead drift it, but don’t show up to the river without it.

Materials:

  • Trailer Hook: Gamakatsu Octopus - sz 4

  • Lead Hook: Ahrex TP605 - sz 1

  • Connection: Backing or Intruder Wire

  • Thread: UTC 140 – Chartreuse 

  • Body: Rabbit Strip - Charcoal, White

  • Collar: Rabbit Fur - Charcoal

  • Flash: Lateral Scale

  • Head: Cone Head

Jack Reis