Overview
The Butcher is a simple yet highly effective and eye-catching streamer pattern designed to target aggressive predatory fish.
How to Tie It
To tie the Butcher, use a short or medium shank hook and assemble materials that create a vivid profile. The body is typically made from black floss or dubbed fur, wrapped neatly for a sleek, slender shape. Fine silver wire or tinsel adds ribbing and a subtle shimmer. A small cluster of red fibers forms the tail, providing a striking contrast. The wing, a defining feature, consists of paired mallard flank feathers, enhancing the fly’s natural underwater movement. Blue or black hackle completes the throat section.
What It Mimics
The Butcher imitates various small aquatic prey, primarily baitfish. Its bold coloration, mallard wing, and vibrant hackle make it an irresistible target.
Where to Use It
This versatile fly works in both freshwater and saltwater, attracting species like trout, salmon, asp, perch, and pike-perch. Any predatory fish that strikes small streamers will fall for the Butcher.
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How It’s Tied
The Hellgrammite fly is tied on a long-shank hook, typically in sizes 4 to 8. A lead wire underbody provides weight and segmentation. The body is built with black or dark brown chenille or dubbing to replicate the larva’s segmented appearance. Black or brown rubber legs mimic the natural larva’s multiple limbs.
What It Mimics
This pattern replicates the Dobsonfly larva, commonly called the Hellgrammite. These large, segmented larvae are a protein-rich food source for many fish species.
Where It’s Used
The Hellgrammite fly excels in rivers and streams where these larvae thrive, particularly in fast-flowing, rocky areas. Fished near the bottom, it mimics the larva’s natural crawling behavior, making it irresistible to predatory fish.
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How to Tie It
The Maggot Fly is typically tied on a small curved hook (sizes 10–14). The body is made with white or off-white chenille, dubbing, or similar material, tightly wrapped to form a rounded, worm-like shape.
The head and tail are tapered for a lifelike appearance. Adding fine wire ribbing enhances durability and creates subtle segmentation.
What It Mimics
True to its name, the Maggot Fly replicates a real maggot—an abundant, protein-rich food source that triggers aggressive feeding in many fish species.
Where to Use It
This versatile pattern works in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. It’s especially effective when dead-drifted near the bottom, imitating a naturally drifting maggot.
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