Bodkin / Patterns

Complex Twist Mouse

Nymph · Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Pike · Intermediate · 2 versions

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Streamer/bass hook, 2-6
  • Thread Tan 140 denier

Materials

  • Tail Tan suede or leather strip (one strip)
  • Body Deer hair + dubbing, twisted brush (as needed)
  • Ears/legs Tan rubber or leather (as needed)
  • Foam underbody Tan foam (optional, for float) (one strip)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and start thread. Tie in a thin suede tail at the bend, about one and a half shank lengths.
  2. Build a dubbing loop, load it with deer hair butts and dubbing, and spin it into a dense complex-twist brush.
  3. Palmer the twisted brush forward, packing each turn back tight so it forms a fat, buoyant body.
  4. Add small leather or rubber ears near the front and a couple of splayed rubber legs to the sides.
  5. Trim the spun body flat on the bottom and rounded on top into a mouse shape, leaving a slight taper to the nose.
  6. Build a small head, whip finish, and cement.

Other versions

1 more in the app: Fly Fish Food Tie.

Tying videos

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