When we asked you, what you would like to see more of on our blog, many of you suggested we run more step by step fly tying posts. Some of you were a little more specific, requesting tying instructions on some of our favorite sculpin patterns. A few of you even requested information on tying tube flies for species other than salmon and steelhead.
We took the hint.. And today we’re happy to present you with tying intstructions for the Quick-Tie Sculpin Tube, courtesy of world renowned fly tyer, Stuart Foxall. Stu’s Quick-Tie Sculpin has proved itself time and time again on our resident rainbows at Alaska West, and we were pretty excited when he agreed to share the details! Take it away Stu!
Stu’s Quick-Tie Sculpin Tube
For a number of years now, I have been visiting the guys at Alaska West and have had great fun chasing the amazing leopard rainbow trout. The first few years there, I would use larger heavy dumbbell style sculpins for these fish which worked great when “Low Bowing.” But sometimes when fishing the braids in the upper river or sight fishing in side channels, these heavy flies could be difficult to cast in tight spots and could often spook the target. So, I started using lighter type flies that wouldn’t “hinge” when cast or snag up during the swing. Tying them is pretty quick and they definitely look very impressionistic.
Materials
- Tube: Plastic liner tube nested in plastic glitter tube.
- Body/Tag: Mirage Tinsel
- Dubbing Ball: Red Ice Dub
- Collar: Olive Arctic Fox
- Wing: Olive/Black Barred Rabbit Strip
- Flash: Mirage Flashabou
- Hackle: Olive Schlappen
- Shoulders/Fins: Olive Pheasant Rump
- Cone: Red/Orange Cone Head
This is a great looking pattern. Love the versatility. Any chance we could get a post regarding the team’s favorite dry flies for steelhead or perhaps even a step by step of a favorite skater pattern?
Hey Nick,
Many thanks for the great request. We’ll get on it and try to put something together soon. Stay tuned!
Stu’s tube flies all look great. I think this sculpin pattern may work well for summer steelhead where a realistic pattern might work better than a flashy fly. Thanks for sharing this one!
Your most welcome! We couldn’t agree with you more. Stu has told us that he has caught some summers on it as well. Great call! Thanks for stopping by!