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The 'Banana Fly' by Mikael Andersson has found its way into the fly boxes of many passionate Salmon anglers over the last 20 years. And rightly so! Because this typical Scandi style pattern catches Atlantic and Baltic Salmon all over Europe. In this tying video we present a variation by Christoffer Nilsson, who loves to fish the famous yellow Salmon tube on the Mörrum.
The combination of yellow wings, yellow hackles and golden body is responsible for the striking name of this Salmon fly, which Mikael Andersson tied for the first time back in the late 1990s. Since then, the experienced Swedish fly tyer and fly fisherman has introduced countless variations of his pattern: Variations for different light conditions, water levels and water colours. Tied with very different shades of yellow and gold. Sometimes heavy, sometimes light. Sometimes large, sometimes small. Sometimes gaudy, sometimes 'dirty' - but always catchy and quick to tie!
On the banks of Pool12 of the Mörrum, Christoffer Nillson tied his interpretation of the 'Banana Fly' for us. Because the yellow tube fly is also very successful on the most famous river in southern Sweden. Besides the greenish 'Beiss' and the striking 'Ullsocken' in black and red, the 'Banana' is a must-have in the fly box for many experienced anglers. Especially in May, when big, fresh Baltic Salmon are running up the river and there are only few chances of a take, many fly fishers put their trust in the 'Banana'. So does Christoffer: "If i had to choose just one fly for fishing the Mörrum ... it would be the Banana! Especially on a sunny day this pattern has prooven to be very effective here."
Fly tying on the banks of pool 12 (River Mörrum)
The following tying materials are used for this 4-5 cm long interpretation of the 'Banana Fly' by Christoffer Nilsson:
- Tube made of plastic (e.g. from Frödin)
- Conehead made of Tungsten (e.g. from Frödin)
- Fine flash material in gold (e.g. Frödin SSS Flash or Fishient H2O Gliss'n Glow)
- Arctic fox for Underwing and Wing (yellow/gold)
- Soft Hackle (Yellow/Gold)
- Jungle Cock or Artificial Jungle Cock
- Tying thread (black)
- Superglue
Christoffer's interpretation of the Banana is weighted with a small Tungsten Conehead, which provides a lot of stability in fast currents. He has opted for a no-body tying method, where the hook swings freely behind the fly. These no-body flies have a very nice action in the water and the risk of the hook catching the tube during the cast is minimised. But a more classic tying method on a brass tube is also very effective and the weight is sufficient for many situations to present the fly in the fishy zone.
Of course, you can adapt the size and weight of this tube fly to your water. Or better still, have a whole selection of different sizes and weights in the box! Because this tube fly catches on almost every river in Scandinavia - and far beyond the borders of Sweden and Norway. We have used the Banana with success in rivers with the characteristic 'Tea Color' (e.g. in Russia). But also in crystal clear rivers in the north of Norway we've caught very well with this tube. A highly universal pattern that you can customise according to your needs and that is always worth knotting on the end of your leader.
Christoffer Nilsson's interpretation of the 'Banana Fly'
We hope you enjoy re-tying this superb fly, we hope you can enjoy salmon fishing this year and: Tight lines for your next salmon trip. With the Banana Fly, of course!
