The Klinkhammer Dry Fly Claret is a highly effective emerger pattern designed to sit partially in and partially above the surface film. This unique posture imitates an insect struggling to hatch, making it especially effective when trout are feeding just below the surface rather than taking fully formed duns.
The original Klinkhammer Special was created in 1984 by Dutch angler Hans van Klinken. His intention was to design a fly that would imitate emerging caddis and other insects caught in the surface tension. Since then, the pattern has become a modern classic and is widely used across rivers and stillwaters throughout Europe and beyond.
The claret version adds a subtle yet visible colour tone that can be particularly effective in coloured water or low light conditions. The Klinkhammer imitation remains a highly dependable emerger pattern, combining innovative design with consistent performance whenever trout or grayling are keyed in on insects struggling to hatch.
Please note all of our fishing flies are barbless unless otherwise stated.
Klinkhammer Dry Fly Claret Specifications
Body - Antron Claret
Hackle - Cock Brown
Thorax - Peacock Herl
Wing - Multiyarn White
Head - Black silk
Hook - Barbless, Mustad of Norway
Target Species - Trout & Grayling
Why Choose The Klinkhammer?
Emerger Profile
Designed to imitate insects trapped in the surface film.
High Visibility Post
Makes tracking the fly easier in broken water or glare.
Modern Proven Pattern
Widely regarded as one of the most effective emerger styles ever developed.
How To Dress The Klinkhammer Dry Fly Claret
Apply Floatant To Post Hackle
Lightly treat the post and hackle before casting to ensure buoyancy.
Keep The Abdomen Untreated
Avoid applying floatant to the lower body so it can sit naturally beneath the surface film.
Dry Between Casts
Use amadou or desiccant powder if the fly becomes waterlogged.
How To Fish The Klinkhammer Dry Fly Claret
Upstream Presentation
Cast upstream to rising fish and allow the fly to drift naturally with minimal drag. The partially submerged body is key to its effectiveness.
Target Feeding Lanes
Focus on slower glides pool tails and seams where trout feed on emerging insects.
Low Light Conditions
The claret body performs particularly well in dull weather or evening sessions when trout are feeding just beneath the surface.
