The Poly Yarn Hackle Stacker is a dry fly pattern designed for versatility and visibility on the water. Originally created by Dave Allison (of West Tex Bugs YouTube channel), this variation features a white poly yarn post that makes the fly easy to spot, even in low light or turbulent conditions. The grizzly hackle wrapped around the poly yarn creates a bushy, high-floating profile, ideal for imitating adult mayflies or other aquatic insects that trout feed on. One of the key benefits of this pattern is its ability to float well while maintaining a natural presentation, making it a reliable choice for anglers in a range of fishing environments.

Paul Fedeles’ Poly Yarn Hackle Stacker Variant is also a great example of a simple yet effective fly. The use of olive CDC dubbing for the body gives the fly a lifelike appearance, while the white shaving brush fibres for the tail add to the fly’s buoyancy and help mimic the natural silhouette of many insect species. As a relatively easy-to-tie pattern, it’s a great option for both beginner and experienced fly tiers. Whether you’re fishing fast-moving streams or calm waters, the Poly Yarn Hackle Stacker Variant is a dependable pattern to have in your fly box.

Materials

• Hook: Size 12 dry fly
• Thread: Light tan 14/0
• Tail: White shaving brush fibres
• Body: Olive CDC dubbing brush
• Post: White poly yarn
• Hackle: Grizzly hackle

Right: Paul uses a Norvise with the Gallows Attachment to tie the post.

Tying Instructions

1. Start the thread at the two-thirds mark and cover the hook.
2. Cut a bunch of fibres from the shaving brush, extract all the dark fibres.

3. Tie in the brush fibres at the halfway point.
4. Tie in the CDC brush at the bend of the hook.

5. Wrap a loose body to halfway and tie off.
6. Tie in the poly yarn post and connect to the Norvise gallows attachment.

7. Tie in the hackle
8. Wrap the hackle up the post nine of five turns, or more.

9. Then wrap the hackle down the post and tie it off. Wrap around the post.
10. Holding the post, fold the hackle fibres back and to the front of the post.

11. Fold the post down and tie it off at the eye with two turns.
12. Pull the post through the turns so the hackle folds over.

13. Whip finish (or half hitch) tying in the post.
14. Create a dam at the eye to have to post stand upright.
15. Trim the post above the hackle.