When black buzzers are hatching, try this suggestive pattern by Rutland guide Al Owen. Always use a size 10 hook. To imitate a smaller buzzer, tie it short.
Material list for Al’s Buzzer
Hook: Size 10 Kamasan B175
Body: Black 6/0 Uni thread
Rib: Natural stripped peacock quill wound in open turns
Thorax: Black 6/0 Uni thread
Cheeks: Sunburst goose biots (two on each side)
Varnish: 3-4 coats over whole fly
![Step 1. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-1.jpg)
Step 1. Fix the hook in the vice and run on the tying thread just behind the eye.
![Step 2. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-2.jpg)
Step 2. Trim off the loose end of thread then wind the thread down the shank to the bend. Catch in a length of stripped peacock quill, by its tip.
![Step 3. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-4.jpg)
Step 3. Wind the thread back towards the eye. Keep the turns close together to form a slim body. Apply even turns of the quill.
![Step 4. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-5.jpg)
Step 4. Take two sunburst-orange goose biots and place them together. Trim their tips then catch them in on the underside of the hook.
![Step 5. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-6.jpg)
Step 5. Prepare two more biots the same way and catch them in on the underside of the hook on the far side. Build a slim thorax with thread.
![Step 6. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-7.jpg)
Step 6. With the tying thread positioned immediately behind the eye, draw the goose biots forward and fix the ends in place on top of the thorax.
![Step 7. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-8.jpg)
Step 7. Apply two thread turns directly behind the eye then trim off the biots’ waste ends.
![Step 8. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-9.jpg)
Step 8. Build the head, then cast off the thread with a whip finish.
![Step 9. Als Buzzer.](/ugc-1/tas-scrape/marketing/sites/25/2022/05/quill_buzzer-10.jpg)
Step 9. Apply a coat of clear varnish to the entire fly then allow it to set fully. Add two or three more coats of the varnish to create a smooth effect.