A Fly A Day - Day 5

The Muddler Minnow


No discussion of flies for Nova Scotia is complete without the Muddler Minnow. The Muddler was originally tied by Don Gapen of Minnesota in 1937. It's goal was simple. To imitate the sculpin, a staple of a trouts diet. However the Muddler is so much more than that. It can be fished in various sizes and either wet or dry to imitate everything from Leeches to Grasshoppers and Crickets. Stonefly Nymphs, Mice, Tadpoles, Shiners and Chubs. It is one fly that can perform more than a dozen jobs with nothing more than a change in technique. Nova Scotia or otherwise, you should not be without a Muddler. Early season, mid season, late season, all season.

PATTERN:

Hook: Long Shank, Sizes 1 thru 12
Thread: Brown 6/0
Tail: Mottled Turkey
Body: Flat Gold Tinsel
Rib: Gold Oval Tinsel
Underwing: Grey Squirel Tail Or Deer Hair
Overwing: Mottled Turkey
Head: Deer Hair, trimmed to shape