How to Tie the Muddler Minnow
| Part | Material |
|---|---|
| Hook | TMC 9395 #2-10 (Tightline: 3X-long nymph hook #10) |
| Thread | 6/0 for body and wing, 3/0 for the hair head (Tightline: dark brown UTC 70 and 140 denier) |
| Tail | matched slips of mottled turkey quill |
| Body | gold mini flat braid (Tightline: gold Sparkle Braid) |
| Underwing | tan calf tail (Tightline: gray squirrel tail) |
| Wing | matched slips of mottled turkey quill |
| Collar | natural deer hair tips |
| Head | spun and trimmed natural deer body hair |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Thread Base
Start the 6/0 thread at the 75% point and wrap a base to the bend, keeping the front quarter of the shank bare for the head and collar.
- 2
Tail
Cut two matched turkey quill slips about one-fourth of a shank long and tie them in at the bend with a pinch wrap, keeping them centered. Wrap forward over the butts and trim them at the 70% point.
- 3
Body
Tie in the flat braid, wrap it forward three eye lengths and back to the bend, then forward again for a double layer. Secure it at the 75% point and clip.
- 4
Underwing
Measure a small bunch of calf tail to reach the middle of the tail and tie it in on top at the front of the body.
- 5
Wing
Match a pair of turkey quill slips, position them so they reach nearly to the tail tip, and secure them with a pinch wrap. Trim the butts and whip finish the 6/0 thread.
- 6
Collar and First Hair Bunch
Start the 3/0 thread at the eye and form a base back to the wing. Cut, clean and stack a substantial clump of deer hair, set it with the tips reaching the middle of the wing, make three loose turns and pull down to spin it around the hook. Spiral forward through the butts with tension to flare them.
- 7
Second Hair Bunch
Pull the butts back, bring the thread forward, and spin a second clump of deer hair (tips removed) over the thread so it overlaps the first. Work the thread to behind the eye and whip finish.
- 8
Trim
Trim the head into a cone shape with a razor blade, keeping it symmetrical and leaving the collar tips intact.
How to Fish the Muddler Minnow
Works as sculpin/baitfish imitation with various retrieves: slow bottom strip near bottom (mimicking sculpin), quick surface strip (mimicking baitfish), or swung across current. Effective across Western states year-round. Works best in sizes #4-12. Trim deer hair head when dry to adjust profile and buoyancy. Weighted versions available for deeper presentations.
