Trev’s Bead Head

Trev’s Bead Head

Trev’s Bead Head is a fly fishing pattern that has gained widespread local acclaim, owing much of its success to the ingenuity of Trevor Ward, a seasoned angler and esteemed member of the Hunter Valley Fly Fishing Club. Affectionately known as the “Bass Whisperer” of Lake St Clair, Ward’s expertise and dedication to the craft are evident in the design of this highly effective fly. Crafted with precision and finesse, Trev’s Bead Head boasts a versatility that has made it a favourite among fly fishermen in various settings.

With numerous variations to suit different conditions and preferences, Trev’s pattern has proven itself time and again on the waters, particularly when deployed with an intermediate 6wt line from the banks. When tied onto a 12lb tippet using a loop on the fly, it becomes an irresistible temptation for bass and other freshwater species. Whether it’s the subtle shimmer of its bead head or the lifelike movement of its materials in the water, there’s something about Trev’s creation that consistently entices strikes, making it a go-to choice for anglers looking to reel in impressive catches.

Below is both Trevor Ward’s original Bead Head pattern, and Paul Fedeles’ own take on the design.

Trev’s Bead Head – Original Materials and Tying Steps

cock hackles
Brown hackles
Copper, gold, and silver wire
  • Hook: Size 3x 8 – 12
  • Thread: Black or brown
  • Bead: Colour and bead optional (add weight without bead)
  • Ribbing: Wire – same colour as bead.
  • Tail: Matched cock hackles, tips pointing out, two and a half times the body.
  • Body: Brown dubbing
  • Hackle: Brown hackle

Tying Steps

  1. Add the bead and cove the hook with thread.
  2. Tie in the two feathers with tips facing out.
    Two and a half times the body.
  3. Tie in the ribbing wire, finish under the hook.
  4. Make a bulky dubbing noodle. Wrap and tie in the body.
  5. Tie in the hackle and make a collar.
  6. Whip finish behind the bead.

Tying Instructions (from Trevor Ward’s Original Handout)

  1. Starting with a size 10 hook, slide the bead on the correct way around, then lock in place with the thread.
  1. Add two cock hackles slightly longer than the shank length, ensuring that they point out from each other at the tips.
    I add a gold wire at this point to add in the rib later.
  1. Add natural dubbing, then wrap the wire in place and trim.
  1. Add your favourite size 14 hackle to the head and you are read to go and cat some Bass at Lake St. Clair.
Top view of fly, note the tail hackles pointing away from each other.
Top view of fly, note the tail hackles pointing away from each other.
The finished product standing proudly ready to land a fish or two.

Trev’s Bead Head – Fedeles Variant

Materials

Similar to original:

  • Hook: Size 3x 8 – 12
  • Thread: Black or Brown
  • Bead: Colour and bead optional (add weight)
  • Ribbing: Same colour as bead
  • Tail: Matched cock hackles, tips pointing out
  • Body: Small brown variegated chenille
  • Hackle: Brown grizzly hackle
  1. Add the bead and cover the hook with thread.
  2. Tie in the two feathers with tips facing out.
  1. Tie in the ribbing wire.
  2. Tie in the collar hackle.
  1. Tie in the variegated chenille and wrap to the bead, leaving a space for the neck hackle.
  1. Hold onto the wire and hackle together. Hackle in front of the wire.
  2. Rib the body with the hackle and the wire at the same time.
  1. Finish with at least two wraps to form a good collar.
  2. Half hitch behind the bead.
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