Muddler Minnow
The Muddler Minnow is one of the most versatile streamer patterns in fly fishing. Created by Don Gapen in the 1930s for the large brook trout of Ontario’s Nipigon River, it was originally designed to imitate a sculpin. The pattern can also suggest minnows, crayfish, large insects, and other prey depending on its size and how it is fished. A weighted Muddler can be worked close to the bottom with short strips, while an unweighted version can be swung, retrieved near the surface, or even skated as a terrestrial imitation. It is effective for trout, salmon, bass, and many other predatory species. Spinning and trimming the deer-hair head while keeping the wing properly aligned are the main challenges when tying the fly.
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Recipe
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Hook · streamer 4X sizes 2 - 14
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Thread · black
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Tail · mottled turkey quill
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Body · gold braided metallic tinsel (or gold tinsel chenille or flat gold tinsel ribbed with gold oval tinsel)
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Underwing · grey squirrel tail fibers
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Wings · mottled turkey quill
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Collar · natural deer hair spun
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Head · natural deer hair spun and clipped