Bodkin / Patterns

Skagit Minnow

Salmon/Steelhead · Streamer · Steelhead · Salmon · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Waddington shank (20mm) or cut-shank front with octopus trailer hook, 1-2 trailer
  • Thread black 6/0

Materials

  • Trailer 30 lb Dacron backing loop + octopus hook (1)
  • Eyes Dumbbell eyes (1 pair)
  • Body Chenille (1 length)
  • Hackle Saddle hackle palmered (1)
  • Wing/veil Marabou, two colors (e.g. red over black, or pink/blue) (2 plumes)
  • Collar Schlappen (1 feather)
  • Flash Krystal Flash (4-6 strands)

How to tie it

  1. Lash the Dacron loop and trailer hook to the shank so the hook trails just behind the marabou; lash dumbbell eyes near the front so the fly rides true and sinks.
  2. Tie in the saddle hackle and chenille at the rear of the shank.
  3. Wrap the chenille body forward, then palmer the saddle through it in 4-5 open turns and tie off.
  4. Tie in the first marabou plume by the tip and wind 2-3 turns, stroking fibers back. Wound marabou breathes in soft winter flows better than any hair wing.
  5. Add a few strands of Krystal Flash, then wind the second, contrasting marabou color in front, 2-3 turns.
  6. Finish with 2 turns of schlappen as a collar over the dumbbell eyes, build a head, whip finish.

Tying videos

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