Perch and Orange

This was a very unusual fall, as they all seem to be lately.   Many of the steelhead were initially small, and the water was very low and extremely clear.     We also had a ton of leaves this fall and a lot of sunshine.   These were a lot of challenges with the fishing conditions.  

For quite a few years, I have been using perch colored flashabou on sunny and leafy days.     For whatever reason, the perch flashabou, which is a combination of red, yellow, and green flash, was a top producer in these tough conditions long after the leaves were gone.  

This Perch and Orange is a simple fly pattern that is great way to utilize perch flashabou.   I really like the hot orange kraken dubbing used on the front of the fly.    

Perch and Orange Pattern:   

Shank:  Short, 25-35mm of your choice.  This fly can also be tied on a size 1 Daiichi 2461 if you prefer a traditional hook

Tail:   Damsel colored marabou or dark olive rabbit strip

Tail Flash:   (Optional)  A strand of red saltwater flashabou

Body:   Green and yellow dubbing of your choice

Flash:  1/69 orange holosheen

Flash 2:   Perch flashabou or magnum perch holographic flashabou

Flash 3:  Optional aqua polar flash or other green flash

Eyes:  Bead chain or lead eyes, tied 1/3 of the way back from the eye

Head:   Hot Pink and Hot orange Kraken dubbing.   I also have tied this fly in larger sizes with Hot orange and Hot Pink Marabou and that has also been successful. 

Usually when I find a good color combination, that works on a particular year, I convert it to the various formats of flies that I like to use, to suit the conditions.    This includes spey flies, sculpins, and baitfish profiles.   

If you would like to see more fly patterns, please see our fly page.   Also, if you are in Michigan on February 3 and 4, check out the Bobbin the Hood event at Schultz Outfitters.   At this event, you will get to see many of the best fly tiers in the region.