Sculpin

Using sub surface tactics while fly fishing is quite common. Trout streamers is one type that will imitate many creatures, some of them are insects while others are baitfish from 1/2in long to 12in long. Sculpin flies are a very popular fresh and saltwater streamer pattern.

Sculpin fly patterns will come in a wide range of colors and sizes as well as various weights to reach and target different depths. Some of the larger sculpin flies will have a flat heavy-weighted head so that it will lay flat on the bottom of the river or lake where sculpin naturally tend to be. Sculpin flies can also be tied with wool, deer hair and synthetic material. The deer hair imitates an injured fish drifting downstream. Wool head sculpin patterns can be fished the same way. These can also be tied with cone heads and lead eyes to help the fly get down in the water column. The sculpin fly pattern is often tied in black and olive. It is not uncommon to catch a fish on a sculpin pattern, with a real sculpin in the mouth of the fish as well.

Sculpins have big, wide heads on them and since these fish live in fast water they must tuck behind rocks for cover. Because sculpin fly patterns have large heads, it gives the fly a good side to side movement. Traditional sculpin flies were tied on single hooks. Now, they can have two sections or even three. Having more sections helps the fly get more length and more movement.

Sculpin flies can be fished in a variety of ways, and a great way to target big fish. Floating lines can be used with weighted flies, sinking lines can be used with unweighted sculpin fly patterns to have maximum movement. These flies can also be drifted under an indicator with split shot. The sculpin pattern is These flies can be 6 inches and tons of flash or 2 inches and not have any flash. It is good to have a couple different colors in your box, and having both dark and bright are a must. Fish will often eat them as soon as they hit the water because they make a “slap” sound when impacting the surface. This effect is called “slappin sculpins.” Sculpin fly patterns will give you some of the coolest eats in the trout game. Because these flies can be easily seen while fishing, you get the satisfaction of seeing the trout kill your fly. Even though real sculpins are black and olive, it is fun to fish sculpin flies in yellow and white. Just the way these flies are designed, it gives them a great swimming action in the water. Throw some bright flashy flies on bright days and you’ll see trout do the craziest things trying to catch your fly. If they’re not biting, try a lighter colored under body to look more realistic.