Hamill's Killer Variant

The Hamill’s Killer is a fly pattern of New Zealand origin, named after its originator – Bill Hamill.   Its original purpose was to imitate a dragon fly nymph or a cockabully – a small blunt nosed fish.  The original version had mallard feathers lined on either side of the hook in similar style to the Mrs. Simpson.  Several variations exist including versions tied in the Canadian style with the wing lain overtop and folded to the sides.Regardless, the Hamill’s Killer can be an effective pattern for trout as well as warm water species.For some reason, I decided to tie a variation with a gold bead head and a couple of them made it along on our recent trip in search of land locked salmon.It wasn’t until our last day of fishing that I tied it on to my line and I am not sure whether it was the cause, but my fishing was great after I did.So here is my Hamill’s Killer Variant.  In addition to the bead, this particular version does include golden pheasant tippets with the squirrel tail and I keep the body quite sparse, using only tying thread wrapped over the extended squirrel tail fur.