Spruce Fly

Back in 1918 the Spruce was originally called the Godfrey Badger Hackle or Godfrey Special after a Mr. Godfrey to whom the pattern is now credited.

Variations

The most original dressing of the Spruce is tied on a regular streamer hook with red wool (1/4) and peacock (3/4) body with splayed wings (E.H. Rosborough). This, and the version illustrated are sometimes referred to as the Light Spruce. A Dark Spruce variation replaces the silver badger hackles with golden badger or furnace. The pattern can also include a silver tag and a head over wrapped with red thread.

Light Spruce - Splayed Wings

Dark Spruce - Splayed Wings

Light Spruce

Head: Black

Tail: 4-5 Peacock sword fibers, about a half an inch long when dressed on an average sized hook (regular-length hooks should be used for this fly)

Body: Rear quarter is red wool, not picked out, but built up toward the peacock. Front three quarters is wound with peacock herl, rather heavily dressed.

Throat: A silver badger hackle, wound on as a collar, fairly bushy, applied after the wing has been put on.

Wing: Two silver badger hackle tips, tied on back to back so that they splay out to form a V, extending beyond the end if the tail.

Originally, the fly was called the Godfrey Special or Godfrey Badger Hackle

Dark Spruce

Head: Black

Tail: 4-5 Peacock sword fibers, about a half an inch long when dressed on an average sized hook (regular-length hooks should be used for this fly)

Body: Rear quarter is red wool, not picked out, but built up toward the peacock. Front three quarters is wound with peacock herl, rather heavily dressed.

Throat: A furnace hackle, wound on as a collar, fairly bushy, applied after the wing has been put on.

Wing: Two furnace hackle tips, tied on back to back so that they splay out to form a V, extending beyond the end if the tail. (I substituted brown hackle)

Reference: Streamers & Bucktails The Big Fish Flies by Joseph D Bates JR

Silver Spruce - Splayed Wings

Head: Black

Tail: 4-5 Peacock sword fibers, about a half an inch long when dressed on an average sized hook (regular-length hooks should be used for this fly)

Body: Rear quarter is silver tinsel, not picked out, but built up toward the peacock. Front three quarters is wound with peacock herl, rather heavily dressed.

Throat: A silver badger hackle, wound on as a collar, fairly bushy, applied after the wing has been put on.

Wing: Two silver badger hackle tips, tied on back to back so that they splay out to form a V, extending beyond the end if the tail.

Spruce Flies as tied today (non splayed wings)

Light

Dark