Umpqua XC220 BL-BN Fly Tying Hooks (18) | Barbless, Extra-Wide Gape

Elevate your fly tying with the XC220 BL-BN

The XC220 BL-BN hooks are crafted for versatility at the vise. These barbless hooks feature a straight eye and a straight/extra short shank, delivering a compact profile with an extra wide gape. The result is a hook that supports a variety of patterns from extended body dries to emergers and general nymphs. The black nickel finish adds stealth and durability, while the XC competition lineage emphasizes value without compromising quality. Sold in packs of 25, these hooks are ready for long tying sessions or rapid pattern development.

With a thoughtful balance of geometry and finish, the XC220 helps maintain clean lines on your heads and helps beads sit properly without crowding the hook gap. The extra-wide gape accommodates larger beads or bead combinations, giving you more creative options while keeping the overall hook profile compact for stealthy presentations.

Key design features

• Barbless
• Straight Eye
• Straight/Extra Short Shank
• Extra-wide Gape
• Dry/Nymph/Emerger compatibility

Versatility in practice

The extra-wide gape enables beads to seat securely while maintaining a sleek head. A straight eye and short shank help keep patterns compact, which can be advantageous for extended body dries and emergers where line control and turnover matter. The barbless design simplifies release and handling in tight competition settings or field scenarios, and the black nickel finish reduces glare in bright water, aiding stealthy approaches.

Consider how you tie for different water conditions: you can pair the XC220 with bead sizes that suit the pattern width, adjust body length without changing the hook geometry, and experiment with bead color to match silvery, clear, or tan water reflections. For nymphs, the geometry supports confident hook-ups while maintaining a natural silhouette that works across streams and riffles.

Practical use cases

• Extended body dries where a precise head is required
• Emerger patterns that need a fast, clean entry
• General nymph patterns designed for robust hook retention

Why this hook stands out

Designed as part of Umpqua’s XC competition line, the XC220 BL-BN aims to deliver reliability and value across a broad set of patterns. The stealthy black nickel finish minimizes glare in clear water, while the barbless design supports quick, field-friendly handling and release. The result is a versatile hook that can be trusted across seasons and water types, with a focus on consistent performance rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Pack and value

Each pack contains 25 hooks, making it practical for tying multiple patterns or maintaining a steady rotation of favorites. The combination of thoughtful geometry, finish, and a compact profile delivers dependable value for tyers who want flexible options without overcomplicating their kit.