Fly Tying Inventory
Clouser Minnow
Bob Clouser's revolutionary baitfish pattern. The dumbbell eyes make it ride hook-point up, reducing snags. Effective in fresh and saltwater for virtually any predatory species.
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Materials
Streamer or saltwater hook, size 2-8
White 6/0 or 140 denier
Lead dumbbell eyes, medium
White bucktail
Pearl Krystal Flash or Flashabou, 4-6 strands
Chartreuse or olive bucktail
How to Tie the Clouser Minnow
- 1
Step 1
Secure the hook in the vise. Start thread about 1/3 back from the eye.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in dumbbell eyes on top of the shank using figure-eight wraps, then secure with cross-wraps. Apply super glue to lock them.
The eyes should be far enough back from the eye to leave room for tying off materials and building a head.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in a sparse clump of white bucktail behind the eyes, on top of the shank, extending past the bend.
- 4
Step 4
Flip the hook over in the vise (or rotate the vise). The eyes are now on the bottom.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in 4-6 strands of pearl Krystal Flash on top (which is the belly side) extending past the bucktail.
- 6
Step 6
Tie in a slightly larger clump of chartreuse bucktail on top, in front of the eyes.
- 7
Step 7
Wrap thread to build a smooth, tapered head. Whip finish and apply head cement or UV resin.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v79g7oGbI8
Credit: Bob Clouser