February Trout Fly Of The Month

Photo courtesy of Hill’s Discount Flies.

Created by Bob Clouser

Hook: Mustad 3406B, Sizes #1 to #2/0.
Thread: 6/0 Chartreuse
Eyes: Small lead barbells painted white with black pupils
Belly: White Bucktail
Wing: Pearl Krystal Flash
Nose: 6/0 Chartreuse Thread

During January, February and March, the Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam contains an abundance of shad, or small baitfish. The Clouser Deep Minnow makes for an excellent imitation of this silvery-white fish, and, when presented and retrieved properly, is often effective for coaxing large rainbow and brown trout. Like most streamer patterns, my go-to presentation is downstream at an angle towards the bank with a following pulsated retrieve. I hope that this fly becomes an essential part of your winter fishing arsenal, and that you stay warm on your cold-weather fishing excursions!

While the Clouser Deep Minnow is a particular fly, it is actually representative of a tying style. Bob Clouser’s series of flies can be adapted for many fishing situations, and are especially popular among avid saltwater fly fishermen. I highly suggest reading Tying and Fishing the Patterns of Bob Clouser ($39.95) to anyone interested in properly tying the Clouser series of flies.