Hornberg

The Hornberg is a versatile trout fly developed by Wisconsin game warden Frank Hornberg during the 1920s. Originally designed as a dry fly to imitate caddisflies and other downwing insects, anglers soon discovered that it was equally effective when fished below the surface as a wet fly or streamer. It can be dead-drifted, skated across the surface, swung through the current, or stripped like a small baitfish, making it a useful searching pattern when trout are feeding unpredictably. Hornbergs are commonly tied in sizes 6 through 12 and are especially popular for trout and landlocked salmon in the Midwest and New England. The main tying challenge is mounting the paired feather wings evenly while keeping the body and hackle properly proportioned.

Tied the Hornberg?

Show off your version — community photos are featured right on this page.

Add Your Photo

Recipe

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.