Black Velvet Jig

The Black Velvet, designed by Umpqua Signature Tyer Mike Sexton, was born out of a collaboration with Riley Cotter during a national competition in 2009. Mike had dyed some pheasant tails with a color called "black velvet" for a chironomid pattern, and the duo decided to experiment, leading to the creation of this highly effective jig fly. The Black Velvet has since become one of Mike’s go-to patterns, both in competitions and for everyday fishing. Its sleek, dark appearance and jigged design make it an excellent choice for sinking quickly and staying in the strike zone, while the black velvet color adds a unique visual appeal.

Use a Short Leader for Quick Sinking: When fishing the Black Velvet in faster or deeper currents, use a short leader (around 6 to 8 feet) to ensure the fly gets into the strike zone quickly. A shorter leader helps you maintain better contact with the fly and the bottom, allowing you to feel subtle strikes while reducing drag. This setup works especially well when fishing the Black Velvet as part of a nymph rig with a tungsten bead to get the fly down fast.