Muddler Minnow step by step
Don Gapen invented this legendary pattern for the Nipigon river in Canada. It was supposed to imitate Cockatush minnow which is a sculpin and called a “muddler” in parts of Wisconsin. The muddler wasn’t supposed to be that type of firm and clinically cut that we like today but rather sparse and long. Customers seemed to prefer the look of the shorter cut tighter heads and the fly evolved accordingly. You might want to try it with a more original head too for fishing as it will have a very different type of movement and sinking rate. The version tied above is just according to my personal preferences, cut to a symmetrical cone and packed pretty dense but not too dense to still keep it soft.
Hook: #2-10 3X Streamer hook.
Tail: Mottled Brown Turkey wing.
Rib: Oval Gold tinsel.
Body: Flat Gold tinsel.
Wing: Natural white tip Squirrel tail and Mottled brown Turkey wing slips on top.
Head: Natural Deer hair muddler style. Stack the tips of the first bunch to form a neat collar.
