"Short Strike Special" Clouser Minnow

This is an overview on how to tie a modified clouser minnow. I developed this pattern to catch short striking trout. I based this fly on patterns that people use when spey fishing to Salmon and Steelhead. Once the braid loop is added, this fly is tied exactly like any other clouser minnow. The hook rides from the middle to the back of the fly depending on how long you make the braid loop. Hope you enjoy and get out after some trout. The fishing is hot right now!

Materials Needed:

140 Ultra Thread

Size 1 Streamer Hook

Size 6 Short Shank Hook

Craft Fur (various colors)

Flashabou (personal preference on color)

Small Lead Eyes

Stick-On Holographic Eyes

Head Cement

50lb Braided Line

Tie on and add a base of thread to the hook shank. Move thread back up to the eye of the hook.

Cut a 6'' piece of 50lb braid. Loop it in half. Put the two tag ends through the hook eye and tie it in.
Make sure to leave enough of a loop to fit the hook at the end of the process.

Wrap the two tags ends under the hook shank and tie those in at the hook eye.

Trim the tags ends of the braid and wrap the braid in back to the bend in the hook.
I apply a coat of head cement at this point but I don't think it is entirely necessary.

Tie in the dumbell eyes making sure to tie them in on the opposite side of the shank from the braid.

Add a small clump of craft fur to the bottom of the fly.

Add a decent clump of flashabou and a clump of craft fur to the top of the fly. Build a neat head for the fly and whip finish.

Add stick on eyes to the fly. Apply head cement to the head and other tie in points to get more life out of the fly!

Cut the hook off behind where you have material tied in using a pair of side cutters.

Add the hook by pushing the braid loop through the hook eye then running the hook through the loop.
 The fly is now finished! Make sure that when you do this, the hook is riding point up as pictured above.
This will help to keep you from getting snagged and will help to hook fish in the top of the mouth to aid in release.

This fly has been extremely effective for me! Good luck and tight lines!