Big Articulated Streamer to mimic rainbow TROUT - McFly Angler Streamer Fly Tying Tutorials

A while back, a subscriber and customer of mine requested that I make a large articulated streamer for him. He wanted something for large browns pushing 30" that are primarily predatory in a lake he fishes. He has witnessed the browns attacking rainbow trout up to 10 inches, and says they just wont eat anything else. So, I started on this pattern.
I spent a few weeks getting the tying down on this fly, and blew through quite a few hooks. I started off with a lead dumbbell eye for weight and to keep it swimming upright, and then settled on keeling the fly with some lead wraps. He wanted to keep this from sinking too fast though, as he was going to fish it on a sink tip line. So I found the minimum wraps of lead was 5 on a .025 lead wire to keep it swimming upright. Also, after I filmed this video, I realized that you have to fish it for a minute or two, getting it to sink underwater to soak up water in the rabbit strip in order for it to relax while swimming. The hide holds air bubbles, and wants to rise to the surface. Which makes for a funny looking back on the fly. However I don't think that will effect its fishability as it could be perceived to a fish as a dorsal fin. However after a few minutes of fishing (or me soaking it in a bowl of water) I did find that it swam more evenly, and that tail kicked out to the side more, rather than wanting to lift up.
So I myself have not been able to fully test this fly on fish. I just don't have anywhere I can fish for large browns or pike, or bass that are praying on 6" rainbows. However I will keep you guys updated on whether or not this works out for him, and if he allows, maybe post up a picture of his very large brown trout he catches with it. However after working on getting this fly to swim just right for a few months, I am confident fish will like it based on its action.
Ok as promised here is a list of the materials I used on this fly. And make sure you get your discount with the fly artist for being my subscriber! Type in McFlySubs at checkout for your discount.
Tail Hook: Gamakatsu B10S in size 2 - www.flyartist.com/products/ga...
Front Hook: Ahrex PR320 in size 4/0 - www.flyartist.com/products/ah...
Thread: Veevus 140 Power thread in Olive - www.flyartist.com/products/ve...
Tail Feathers: Olive and White Blood Quill Marabou - www.flyartist.com/products/ha...
Tail Flash: Pearl Krystal Flash - www.flyartist.com/products/ha...
Top Wing: Black Barred Olive Rabbit Strip - www.flyartist.com/products/ha...
Belly: Custom Dubbing Brush - • Making a Dubbing Brush...
Pink Accent: Pink Version of the Custom Dubbing Brush - • Making a Dubbing Brush...
Wire: Thin Black Intruder Wire - www.flyartist.com/products/se...
Bead: I got it at walmart... Just find a random plastic bead with holes large enough for the wire to fit through twice.
Dubbing: White and Olive Senyos Laser Dub - www.flyartist.com/products/ha...
Eye: 7mm "Ice" Living Eyes - www.flyartist.com/products/fi...
Eye Adhesive: Gell Super Glue - amzn.to/2MYJNvL
Head Cement: Solarez "ultra thin" UV Resin - www.flyartist.com/products/so...
Here is a list of the tools I used as well.
Rensetti Traveler Vice
bobbin: Stonfo bobtec bobbin - www.flyartist.com/collections...
Scissors: Dr. Slick all purpose 4" - www.flyartist.com/collections...
Whip Finisher: Hareline whip finish tool standard - www.flyartist.com/collections...
Bodkin - Stonefo Bodkin - www.flyartist.com/collections...
Fine Tooth Comb: amzn.to/2Nkci3T
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#streamer #streamerfly #articulated #articulatedstreamer #flytying #mcflyangler #gamakatsu #ahrex #rainbow #trout #pike #pikestreamer #bassbug

[@mr.robinson1982]

I save every single instructional fly fishing lure made by everyone to a file on my phone for later. I have saved all of the ones you have posted. Thanks.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you, glad you enjoy the videos

[@robbiesflytyingchannel]

I left a message before but I wanted to watch the video again since I've been tying a lot of the articulated streamers. Mine are more sparse and they work very well but I'm looking forward to giving this one a try. Good job!

[@McFlyAngler]

Hey thanks man! By all means tie this more sparse if you want. It will work that way as well.

[@barnabymorley4503]

Love this pattern just what I need to add to my box. Thank you

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad you like it! :).

[@bigpapi3636]

Wow! A lot of work went into that fly but it's a work of art and an engineering marvel. I know a lake full of giant brown trout that will absolutely eat that streamer! Well done Angler!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! Yeah lots of work! It’s a 45+ minute Fly. Lol.

[@michaelramos3589]

Thank you! I thoroughly enjoy your videos and the way you explain what your doing. Keep it up and don't stop!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks, will do

[@ejmacewan8942]

W O W ,,, THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND PASSION THAT YOU BRING TO THOUSANDS OF US,,, AND TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE THESE CREATIVE,, EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS FOR US,,,, VERY WELL DONE,, TXS AGAIN,, BE SAFE AND HEALTHY,,,

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you, glad it helped and you enjoy the videos.

[@zoomzoomgt]

Wow never realized how much workkkkkkk to make any type of fly wow gr8 video!!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! :)

[@andersonsoutdoors4873]

Sitting down right now to try tying a couple of these - gonna hit the Rio Grande up north for pike. This seems like the perfect fly. I hope I can re-create it well enough & score on the stingy, stingy river. Fingers crossed; prayers tossed! 😜

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome dude! Let me know how you do!

[@robbiesflytyingchannel]

Very good! I'm pretty new with the articulated flies but this is easy to follow....

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you!

[@paulkasputis5978]

The state of Massachusetts stocked a river with rainbow parr as an experiment. When fly fishermen hooked one, big browns came out of nowhere and stripped the parr off the hook.

[@lukekaye4077]

Awesome tie, next on the list!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@garylawlor2288]

I know what you mean about the rabbit being buoyant at first but you right, it actually sinks quiet fast when fully saturated. Nice pattern. I like tall narrow flies for the fact if ya pull em hard they behave almost like a jerk bait.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@bearfiss7919]

Bro you are so good at these thank you

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@sockeyepunch8523]

Thanks for this extremely articulate instructional video (no pun intended). I was able to make what I thought was a pretty good copy on my first try. The dubbing brushes video simplified that process. If you were targeting big browns (up to 10lbs) in a lake and using this fly, what size rod would you use?

[@McFlyAngler]

To cast the fly, a 7wt or better is recommended. Thanks glad you like the video

[@raywalteroutdoors]

Wool instead of synthetic dubbing head will likely make it sink faster and deeper but this is awesome

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks man! Yeah there are a few options for how fast you want it to sink for sure. Try different materials and you will find what works best in your situations

[@mmatalk3817]

Poetry in motion.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@draven3838]

I tied some of these the other day using the double salmon hooks because we have some way to smart white hybrid striped bass up here in northern Missouri.

[@McFlyAngler]

Nice man!

[@Doobisnacks181]

Looks really nice, thanks for taking the time to make the video

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. :)

[@joshpilon08]

Thanks mcfly. Been waiting on this one...lol

[@McFlyAngler]

Me too! There’s one of my more favorite flies I’ve created

[@joshpilon08]

@@McFlyAngler good job. I enjoyed watching the video.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@sdbassin1143]

What is the favorite food of all predator fish? Same species only 3 inches! 💰 🏆🥇⭐️ You win my dude!!!!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Brown trout regularly eat small rainbows. Bass do as well.

[@phillipimsdahl3563]

Thanks great video

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@user-gg9uc3zk9b]

Прикольные оливковые засранцы вышли. +5 мастеру!

[@epark08]

Nice, keep it up :)

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@theoutdoorangler1173]

Good looking fly. Do you still use Bill Frawg Dubbing? Wasn’t sure how big of a difference it would make

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah bull frog could work, but I’d add a bit more weight if so... it tends to float

[@themotofirm]

Could you add a couple lead wraps to the tail like you did with the head, to keep it inline easier? Or would that ruin the action? Sweet lookin pattern, I think I’ll give it a shot with some hot orange for a baby cutty look 👌

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah I think it would be fine to add lead, however the tail wouldn’t move around as much. So there is that.

[@allenjones1947]

I challenge you to make a snake fly. Something articulated with the multiple hooks like this.

[@McFlyAngler]

Well I’ll look into it, but that would take me months... pretty much just for bass right? I think those of the only fish that eat snakes? Maybe Pike

[@allenjones1947]

McFly Angler I've caught catfish on snake imitators too but you never know. I think it would be very cool if anybody has the creativity to do it it's you! Bonus points if you throw some beard hair in there 😂

[@McFlyAngler]

LOL yeah, or you could use the "game changer" type spines...

[@bretthumphries7911]

@@allenjones1947 I've got a topwater baby "snake" pattern/fly, and a subsurface one you could add a longer body to. 3" - 6" or so, weedless and snagless. Tight lines.

[@cicadeus7741]

Talk about a fur-bearing trout! Haha

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@earladams8012]

Your work is truly amazing I would love to buy some of your flys if you sell them

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you! I plan on selling soon. Just waiting for my Texas sellers license.

[@earladams8012]

@@McFlyAngler when you do let me know I'll buy some

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool thanks! Can you find me on Instagram and private message me? That way I can find you quicker when my license comes in

[@trevormcphee6214]

I've got a TFO 6/7 wt, that should handle this okay right? I usually throw dries or small streamers

[@McFlyAngler]

I would use an 8wt, but if you can double haul well then maybe.

[@fredrikjohansson2793]

What line weight would I need to get distance on my cast in hard wind with that fly?

[@McFlyAngler]

Probably 7-8wt

[@stewoutdoors3020]

I like it but the rabbit strip has not worked that well in my earlier prototypes.

[@McFlyAngler]

It works great with this... just needs to soak for a minute before fishing...

[@trevorgreen2370]

Great looking fly. May I ask what brand was the dubbing table do you use. Thanks

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you. So that was called the cyclone table. It’s junk. You should Get something better believe me! Mine now is made by oasis benches and is amazing!

[@trevorgreen2370]

@@McFlyAngler thanks for replying. I’ve seen those unfortunately they cost $100 US to get here.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yea, it’s an inexpensive bench compared to many good ones. However there are some plans you can find online with how to make your own. Search for them on google and you can save some money if you make one yourself. I really wouldn’t want to make more than a couple brushes out of that junk cyclone one I had before. It doesn’t work well. I think it’s better to just spin it up in a dubbing brush by hand then use that junk table.

[@FlyCastingColorado]

Wow that’s awesome!!! Where/when would you use this!?

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! So this could work for big browns our of a drift boat on the right rivers. However pike and bass also come to mind with this fly.

[@tulaminmarcellay9214]

Ima going to tie afew of these for rock lake WA. Brown trout

[@McFlyAngler]

Let me know how they do for you

[@jeffcollins1172]

McFly, do you have a pattern that would mimic the Fathead minnow? Thanks

[@McFlyAngler]

Actually yes I do. I can’t search through right now on my phone, but if you search “mcfly angler fathead minnow” on KZbin a few should pop up.

[@troutdaddy3600]

Could you replace the dubbing with EP fibers?

[@McFlyAngler]

Uhhh ep fiber is stiffer, you could try, but it would come out different. Maybe spinning EP and trimming it, but again a completely different look and technique.

[@troutdaddy3600]

McFly Angler ok thanks, I just don’t have much laser dubbing and I was going to buy some yesterday at orvis but stuck to some carp fly materials.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah man, try some other dubbing if you don’t have it. Or use my discount at Fly artist. Link and discount code in the description section of the video and get the laser dub for cheap! :)

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

What do you suggest for strong powerful Striper?

[@McFlyAngler]

Do you mean the gear? Like Rod wait? Or do you mean what fly?

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

For the rod I will be using a 9ft. 9wt with sinking line and a 17-20 lb clear leader. I was wondering about streamers. Thanks in advance.

[@McFlyAngler]

Well striper are funny man. Where I used to live, they loved super bright, big fat streamers with lots of movement from materials like craft fur. But those were ocean striper. I hear of many people saying that striper are picky and won't hit flashy big streamers. So again it depends on where they are. Like different parts of the country, bodies of water, and even times of year can effect what flies to use for them. Lake striper feed different than ocean striper, and some even are cross bread with white fish. So.... It really all depends on your local watersheds.

[@MikeWitmerNatureJournal]

I never do well on trout with any of the larger articulated flies. In the end a simply made, weighted #4 or smaller wooly bugger in white, black or olive seems to always be the ticket. Could be the kinds of water I fish or just my part of the country.

[@McFlyAngler]

I agree, small works well a lot of the time. However there are times the big browns will crush large flies like this. Generally you want to be on a drift boat and hit many spots. The key here is one or two casts to a given hole then move on. Works well on some rivers, others not so much. But the average size fish you catch with this technique is large! Usually browns. Big browns. At least where I’ve done it.

[@MikeWitmerNatureJournal]

I bought and tied a lot of the Galloup patterns and had really high hopes because I fish a big tailwater river here in the east that produces big trout. I fished out of a driftboat and my personal pontoon and tried it on and off through the season. I was surprised it did not work.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah, there is a time and place for them for sure! They don't always work.

[@markwilson9800]

Try fishing one of these streamers for bull trout. Typically bull trout will sit at the tail of a deep pool waiting for a variety of different baitfish to slip up and get swept down to him in the current. I've found that articulated streamers tied in a whitefish or cutthroat pattern are absolutely deadly. A good 25% of the time I'm fishing dries for rainbows or cutties in bull trout water and I hook up, a big bad bull starts chasing my fish around. It isn't uncommon to catch two fish after a bull has latched on to whatever you hooked into. These articulated streamers also work pretty well on browns as they sneak up and try take a bite out of the back end of the fly. Haven't had much luck on other trout with these streamers except for one very large cutty. Best of luck to you, I hope this helps!!

[@sarahboulton9065]

What is the bast wait rod

[@McFlyAngler]

Depends on the flies your throwing and the fish your catching

[@flipperkey420]

Are there any substitutes for subbing brushes?

[@McFlyAngler]

Many companies make dubbing brushes you can buy. They are expensive. You could also do dubbing loops...

[@flipperkey420]

Okay so all I do is tie in a loop of thread, place my dubbing or craft fur in between and twist?

[@flipperkey420]

McFly Angler thank you so much!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes, you need a twisting tool though, you can make your own.

[@flipperkey420]

McFly Angler thankfully I just got some brushes in!!

[@skooltalkpodcast8081]

I feel like first cast I’d throw this in a tree and 20 minutes would be wasted

[@McFlyAngler]

LOL. I feel ya. I probably wouldn't be throwing this into tons of brush myself, try to fish more drop-offs with it and such.

[@NarrowRoad4Jesus]

Beautiful fly, but way to many steps and materials for my taste. Looks great.

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok cool, thanks

[@tutayp2]

Hi dud you have for sell

[@McFlyAngler]

No not right now, trying to work out a Texas sales license to sell these. I’ll let ya know if I can sell them though

[@tutayp2]

@@McFlyAngler you have Instagram

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes

[@epark08]

Nice, keep it up :)

[@McFlyAngler]

yep

[@epark08]

Nice, keep it up :)

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks I will try