Bodkin / Patterns

Croston's Belly Flop

Streamer · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook heavy barbless jig/streamer hook, 8-10
  • Thread tan, black or olive to match zonker 6/0

Materials

  • Bead Slotted tungsten bead (3.8mm) (1)
  • Weight XL tungsten jig back (1)
  • Body/wing Long thin rabbit zonker strip (natural, black or olive) (1 strip)
  • Underbody Tungsten scud/bomb body or lead-free wire (as needed)
  • Collar Soft dubbing or CDC for a sculpin head (small pinch)
  • Optional flash Few strands pearl/UV flash (sparse)

How to tie it

  1. Fit the slotted tungsten bead and an XL tungsten jig back to the heavy jig hook, and build a tungsten/lead underbody. This fly is deliberately overloaded to plummet on a nymph rod.
  2. Start thread and tie in a long, thin rabbit zonker strip at the rear so the tail wags well past the bend; tie it sparse for easy casting and a fast sink.
  3. Bring the thread forward and secure the zonker along the top of the shank, adding a few strands of flash if desired.
  4. Palmer or fold the zonker forward to build a slim body, keeping bulk down so it cuts water.
  5. Form a small soft sculpin-style collar of dubbing or CDC behind the bead for water movement and a broad head.
  6. Whip finish behind the bead and add a drop of head cement.

Tying videos

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