Quite possibly one of the best known, most used patterns
anywhere in the world. This fly can be tied in just about any color combination
you can think of to match the specific baitfish your trying to imitate.
The Clouser minnow is incredibly easy to tie, even for beginners.
Bob Clouser created the Clouser Minnow in 1984 by attaching
some metallic "dumb-bells" in order to turn the fly upside down. This
insured that snagging would be minimal. Deer hair was used to give the
minnow it's shape and flash material was added in the center of the fly to add
luster and life to the pattern. What makes the pattern so effective is, during
the retrieve the fly never stops moving, up and down, side to side, imitating
the movement of baitfish. Tied in various sizes and colors, the Clouser
can be used just about anywhere in the world.
Tying
Instructions

1) Place the hook upright in the vise and secure the
thread on the shank approx. 1/3 way back from the hook eye. Construct a notch or
cradle with 2 "bumps" of tying thread.

2) Place the eyes in the cradle and secure by wrapping
the thread diagonally across the eyes, alternating wraps from the left and right
side of the eyes in an “X” pattern to align them. Apply a drop of head cement.

3) Secure a sparse amount of White Buck-tail between the
eye of the hook and the eyes; wrap the thread forward to create a small
cone-shaped nose. Wrap the thread back behind the eyes and pull the buck-tail
across the eyes and secure buck-tail.

4) Holding the White Buck-tail up, spiral wrap the
thread (fairly loosely) to secure the Buck-tail on top of the hook for approx.
2/3 the length of the shaft. Wrap the thread forward to a point in
front the eyes.

5) Turn the hook over in the vise (or rotary) so the
hook point is riding up. Tie in a sparse amount Pearl Krystal Flash at a
point just in front of the eyes. Add a drop of head in cement. Wrap several
turns of the thread to secure.

6) Now, tie in a sparse amount of Chartreuse Buck-tail,
also in front of the eyes and trim ends.

7) Over-wrap the nose w/thread forming a neat
cone-shaped nose and whip finish. Seal with head cement or “Hard-As-Nails”
finger nail polish.
Finished fly pictured above. |