In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, InTheRiffle ties a streamer pattern that will entice quality trout year round, Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow.
Difficulty: Intermediate
It should be no secret in fly fishing that the species we target do not only eat flies. Pursuing predatory fish allows for some of the most exciting fishing opportunities. For trout, whether it is nymphs, dry flies, or streamers, there is a time and place for everything. Large fish can be caught in a multitude of ways using varying flies, but Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow is a streamer that gets the job in an extremely exciting way.
In terms of tying this fly, preparing dubbing loops in advance will make the process move quickly and efficiently. Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow is a more simple streamer pattern for its size, as it only requires marabou, krystal flash, and dubbing loops to create the profile of the body. Taking the time to tie this pattern will pay off on the river whether it is summer, fall, winter, or spring. Changing the colors to imitate other baitfish or juvenile trout is a powerful way to catch large trout in your targeted waters.
One of the best aspects of Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow is its ability to be fished in multiple ways. It can be stripped, dead drifted under an indicator, or swung. One of my personal favorite methods is fishing it under an indictor, with twitches as it moves. From my experiences, I have not seen a streamer produce consistent large fish like this pattern. Give Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow a try when you are on the water next, and let us know if you stick a trophy!
Ingredients:
- Hook: #04-08 Daiichi 2220
- Cone: Black Medium or Large Conehead
- Wire: .020”-030” Lead Wire
- Thread: Brown Vevus 6/0
- Tail: White, Tan and Olive Blood Quill Marabou
- Flash: Copper or Rootbeer Krystal Flash
- Body: Gold Ice Dubbing
- Belly: Pearl Ice Dubbing
Now you know how to tie Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow!
Video and ingredients courtesy of InTheRiffle.
