Tying the Muddler Minnow

Producer: Tim Flagler

Tim Flagler offers tips for tying the perfect Muddler Minnow, using two sizes of thread and a double-edged razor blade (broken in half) to create quill segments and shape the spun deer-hair head. “Muddlers may require a bit more effort than other patterns,” says Flagler, “but once you get the hang of it they really are fun to tie, and they’re definitely effective.”

     Muddler Minnow
     Hook: 3X-long nymph hook (here a Dai-Riki #710), size 10.
     Thread 1: Dark Brown, UTC 70 denier.
     Tails: Natural mottled turkey-wing quills, matched
     Body: Gold Sparkle Braid.
     Underwing: Gray squirrel tail.
     Wing: Natural mottled turkey-wing quills, matched.
     Adhesive: Head cement
     Thread 2: Dark Brown, UTC 140-denier.
     Collar and head: Natural brown deer hair.
     Tools: Double-edge razor blades, Krazy Straw.