Makeshift Muddler
This week, fly shop manager, Melody Herron, challenged Josh Smitherman to put his creativity to the test by building a fly recipe using primarily materials from our sale bins – currently we have a ton of awesome materials on sale!
Unsurprisingly, Josh rose to the occasion and whipped up this Makeshift Muddler.
The original Muddler Fly was created by Don Gapen in the 1930’s and is still produced today. His sculpin imitation features a loosely stacked head designed to push water and create erratic movement in the fly. In the 1950’s Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop began producing a more densely packed version for their mail-order fly subscribers, eventually swapping the turkey quill for marabou, resulting in the Marabou Muddler,
the version on which tonight’s tutorial is loosely based.
Other modern iterations include the Kiwi Muddler and Kelly Galloup’s Zoo Cougar.
Charlie Craven includes a recipe in his new book, Tying Streamers, which pays homage to the original with mottled turkey quill but with a spun deer head and collar.
Part of what makes the Muddler so versatile is that it can imitate terrestrials or streamers and target trout and bass alike. Stack it tight to fish dry or tie it loose and pair with a sinking line for some killer stillwater action. However you stack it, a muddler is worthy of your attention and deserving of a spot in your fly box!
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Makeshift Muddler
Hook: Ahrex NS122, #02
Thread: UTC 140D, Brown and GSP 100D, White
Tail: Strung Marabou, Lemon Yellow and Sculpin Tan
Wing: Strung Marabou, Sculpin Tan
Flash/Dubbing: Ripple Ice Fiber, Orange
Body: EP Foxy Brush, Yellow, 1.5″
Head: Spinning Deer Hair, Brown
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