Tying the Masked Marauder 2.0

Producer: Fly Fish Food

One summer, while I was in-between jobs, I found myself working part-time at a fly shop and spending a lot of time on the water. It was during this time that I had many conversations with Mickey Anderson about stonefly nymphs, fly design, and his amazing bug photography. We’d chat between customers, and Mick started to notice something interesting: fish would take a Skwala stonefly nymph much more readily if the fly had a very dark top and a much lighter bottom. This two-toned effect stuck with me, and eventually, it made its way onto my vise as the Masked Marauder—a fly that has since become a staple and is available now through Fulling Mill.

Like many of our flies, the Masked Marauder has evolved over time, with various tweaks and updates to its design. The original two-tone concept is still there, but we’ve incorporated new shell back material, adjusted the tails, and refined the construction techniques. These small changes have helped make the fly even more durable and effective. The combination of dark and light coloring still remains a key feature of the fly, mimicking the natural appearance of stonefly nymphs that fish find irresistible.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the color combination that I first tied, though I also like to use a dark brown/black variation for a different look. I typically tie the Masked Marauder in sizes 8-12, but the beauty of the pattern is its versatility. Whether you’re fishing fast runs or deep pools, this fly is designed to imitate a natural food source that’s highly attractive to a variety of species, and it’s sure to be a go-to in your fly box.

Click here for the Masked Marauder 2.0 recipe and to purchase materials.