I love tying my DHE's as simple as possible and keeping the profile slim by just using thread for the body and rib.
I sometimes also combine my two favourite Bob Wyatt dries, DHE and Dirty Duster which offers an excellent profile (especially from below) as well as helps you track it better with the grizzle hackle showing up in different light conditions.
Main reason for adding the hackle initially was to ensure stability when a "shuck" tail was added in case the fly didn't sit correctly. That said i use Pearl Microglint as a shuck and it's so sparse and light that the fly sat well without the hackle but i quickly noticed the above 'improvements' hence why i always have a selection of Dirty DHE's in the armoury now.
Dressing:
Hook: Partridge K4A Grub (for barbed) or Sprite S2100 Grub (for barbless)
Thread: Semperfli 8/0 light olive Classic Waxed
Tag (Optional): Semperfli Pearl Microglint (tiny amount and pick all fibres out)
Rib: Tying thread (tighten thread to form a more noteable rib)
Wing: Natural Roe Deer hair
Thorax: Grizzle cock hackle trimmed 'level' below (if i add in the hackle i omit the hare's lug and Glister dubbing at thorax)
