How to Tie a Blob Fly: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Tie a Blob Fly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why the Blob Fly Works

Few flies have made as big an impact on UK stillwater fishing as the Blob. Developed on the reservoir circuit, this buoyant, pulsating lure triggers aggressive takes from trout that simply can't resist its movement and bulk. Whether you're fishing a floating line on the top dropper or pulling it through the depths on an intermediate, the Blob earns its place in every stillwater box.

After more than 30 years tying flies here in Scotland, we've tied thousands of Blobs in every colour imaginable. This guide covers the classic orange and hot orange version — one of the most consistent fish-catchers across Scottish and English reservoirs alike.

Materials You'll Need

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Hook

If using a bead, slide it onto the hook and push it to the eye. Secure the hook in your vice with the point down. Start your thread just behind the bead (or behind the eye if tying without a bead) and run a neat thread base down to the bend.

Step 2 — Tie in the Fritz

Cut a length of hot orange Fritz approximately 10–12cm long. Strip the fibres from the first 5mm of one end to expose the core, then tie this in at the bend of the hook with three or four firm thread wraps. The stripped core gives a much neater tie-in point and prevents bulk at the tail.

Step 3 — Tie in the Foam Body

Cut a small section of foam blob body material (or a 6mm foam cylinder) and tie it in just ahead of the Fritz tie-in point. This foam is what gives the Blob its characteristic buoyancy and bulk — don't be tempted to skimp on it.

Step 4 — Wind the Fritz

Wind the Fritz forward in touching turns, stroking the fibres back with each wrap to keep them flowing rearward. Tie off just behind the bead or eye with several firm thread wraps, then trim the excess Fritz. The body should be full and bushy — Blobs are not subtle flies.

Step 5 — Secure the Foam

Fold the foam forward over the Fritz body and tie it down firmly behind the bead or eye. Trim any excess foam. The foam should sit proud of the hook, creating that distinctive rounded blob profile.

Step 6 — Add a Marabou Collar (Optional)

For extra movement, tie in a small bunch of hot orange marabou or a short length of chenille as a collar just behind the bead. This adds a breathing, pulsating quality that can make all the difference on slower retrieves.

Step 7 — Finish the Head

Build a neat thread head, whip finish, and apply a drop of UV resin or varnish to lock everything in place. Allow to cure fully before fishing.

Fishing the Blob

The Blob is most effective on the top dropper of a three-fly leader, fished on a floating or slow-intermediate line. A figure-of-eight retrieve with occasional pauses works well early season, while a faster strip retrieve can provoke explosive takes in warmer water. Don't overlook it on a washing-line rig with a booby on the point — it's a devastating combination on Scottish reservoirs.

Colour Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the orange Blob, experiment with:

  • Fl. Pink — deadly in coloured water or bright conditions
  • Chartreuse — a consistent performer on overcast days
  • Black & UV — excellent in low light or for evening sessions
  • White — a great imitative option when fish are on fry

All the Fritz, foam, and hook materials you need are available in our Fly Tying Fritz and Fly Tying Hooks collections. If you have any questions about materials or tying techniques, don't hesitate to get in touch — we're always happy to talk fly tying.

Tight lines,
Colin — Fly Tying Scotland

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