Black Gordon

Black Gordon Steelhead Fly

Hook: Tiemco 7999 or 7989, sizes 10 - 1/0

Thread: Black

Rib: Oval Gold Tinsel

Body: Rear 1/3 red; front 2/3 black; I like to use the brightest Red yarn I can find for the rear portion and Black chenille for the front 2/3

Hackle: Black, long, soft saddle hackle or Schlappen

Wing: Black Bucktail


“Clarence Gordon developed the Black Gordon during the late 1930’s for use on the North Umpqua. He was a fine fly tier and extraordinary angler who had a concession from the U.S. Forest Service for a lodge on the North Umpqua at the old Major Mott site.” Trey Combs, Steelhead Fly Fishing and Flies, Third Printing, 1979

I have used the Black Gordon to catch both steelhead and Coho Salmon. I use the smaller sizes for low clear water.


Summer Run Steelhead caught on the North Umpqua 28 September 2004 with a size 2 Black Gordon. If you look carefully at the photo you can see the fly in the steelhead's mouth.