The Black Pennell Wet Fly Pattern - Trout Fly Tying for Beginners

A classic wet fly pattern that was first tied in the late 1800's by the English poet, Henry Cholmondeley-Pennell, the Black Pennell soon became popular in American waters as well. The fly is typically tied in sizes 10-14 and fished in both still and fast waters.
Hook: Wet fly, #10-14
Thread: Black
Tail: Golden Pheasant tippets
Rib: Silver, tinsel or wire
Body: Black floss
Hackle: Long black cock (sparsely tied)
Savage Flies is a project (named after one of my homewaters, the Savage River in Western Maryland, US). I've been trout fishing for many years but have only been tying for the last couple and am learning more every week. If you have any pointers on techniques that would help, I would love to hear them in the comments.

[@bobteeden2657]

First time out Trout fishing after a bad sinus infection, used the Black Parnell they loved it thanks Matt

[@marshallbaldwin8960]

I really like this fly. Thank you for showing how it’s tied and for the Beginner Fly Tying Series. You’re the Best Sir Matt!

[@jeffreystone7327]

Solid looking fly. This will be one I definitely want to learn to tie. Thank you for tying and sharing this one Matt.

[@wayneandrews1278]

I do love the look of this fly I need to make some ty

[@zarchy55]

Nice looking fly. I have to admit, I’d never heard of this one.

[@double531]

Nice, great fly on our Scottish hill lochs, beautifully tied btw.

[@oldbones4941]

Very nice video, a very good example of that fly, I am going fishing this season on a river in the county of Northumberland, which is in Northeast England. I believe that this fly will be excellent for the river I fish.

[@markbooc5667]

Awesome videos! Great content!

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Marc! Appreciate you watching.

[@Loyalist-ul6qm]

I still fish this fly in the summer in Scotland it's a great pattern.

[@wayneandrews1933]

Very cool looking I going to make one

[@RT42069]

Got a nice 15 inch rainbow on this the other day

[@lonewizzard8456]

👍👍😎😎👍👍

[@9suuupersonic]

When in doubt I'll get this on my cast for broonies in the hill lochs of Scotland

[@SavageFlies]

Ter, outstanding! Welcome to the channel my Scottish friend. I'd love to someday do a series of flies that originated from that part of the world. So much of the history of fly fishing comes from your way. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers. -Matt

[@9suuupersonic]

@@SavageFlies please do I have enjoyed your videos today and subscribed to your channel and looking forward to seeing more of your work 👍👍

[@scetis]

Thanks for the tip regarding the hackle. I have a small unmarked package of black hackle that I found in a box at a tackle shop. How would I tell if it's hen or rooster? I know rooster is generally a thinner profile but that's all.

[@SavageFlies]

Rooster barbs don’t usually stick together, except for a few at the base of the feather. Hen feathers usually have a lot more “webby” barbs and do kind of stick together. At least for more of the feather.

[@SavageFlies]

And oh yeah, I did a short video called “All about hackle” I think. That should explain a lot of it. But this is a great question that a lot of people ask!