Muddler Minnows

The original Muddler flies designed by Don Grapen has spawned a large number of variations that all have the clipped deer hair head. It is now used all around the world. The head is tied with natural deer hair and then clipped into shape. The Buoyant deer hair keeps the Muddler off the bottom, so it can be fished at all depths. The deer hair is hollow and the trapped air makes it buoyant. The muddler flies can be fished as a wake fly when the weather is dull which is usually late in the season when the sedges can be seen skating on the surface.

Stripping a Muddler across the waves can induce tremendous takes from trout which will follow it for yards. Tied in natural colors this type of pattern can prove effective. With a sinking line its buoyancy adds life to the fly. Towards the end of the season trout go on a feeding spree to build up strength  More trout show cannibalistic tendencies at this time of the year than any other and eat trout fry (baby fish). These small fish congregate in areas that suit their needs like marginal weed beds or entrances to feeder streams. The Muddler flies / streamer lure now comes into its own. These fry imitations flies are probably one of the leading Streamer Lures at this time. On large saltwaters a Muddler Minnow fished fast at the surface, in a big wave, is always worth trying in late summer as a brown sedge fly representation.