Clouser Minnows

Clouser Minnows Baitfish Patterns

Clouser minnows are the woolly bugger of baitfish patterns. Tied in more of V shape to move more water where needed. Or sleek for those gentle retrieves and takes.

Okay, let’s dive into the Clouser Minnow. It’s a remarkably versatile and effective fly pattern, excellent for targeting a wide range of fish in both fresh and saltwater.

How to Tie a Clouser Minnow

Here’s a step-by-step guide to tying the classic Clouser Minnow:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Hook: Saltwater or streamer hook (e.g., Partridge Sea Prince & Sea Streamer, Gamakatsu SC15) Size 4/0 – 10 is a good starting point. The exact size will depend on your target species and preferred fishing conditions.

• Thread: Strong fly tying thread (Semperfli Threads or Favorites and is what is used on the Clouser Minnows we tie. Uni-Thread 6/0 or 3/0, Danville Flat Waxed Nylon, GSP – Gelled Spun Polyethylene) in white, red, or a color that complements your body material.

• Eyes: Lead or tungsten barbell eyes (various colors and weights). Weight selection depends on the depth you want the fly to sink. Painted lead eyes are very popular and can be color coordinated.

• Body: Bucktail (various colors). White is a standard choice, but experiment.

• Flash: Krystal Flash, Flashabou, or similar (optional, but highly recommended).

• Adhesive: Head cement or UV resin

Tying Steps:

1. Prepare the Hook: Place the hook securely in your vise.

2. Thread Base: Start your thread behind the hook eye, and wrap it down the shank to just past the midpoint. Build a smooth, even base. This base will help secure the materials.

3. Attach the Eyes: This is a critical step. Place the barbell eyes on top of the hook shank, positioned roughly 1/3 of the way back from the eye. Secure them firmly using figure-eight wraps around the eyes. Make sure the eyes are aligned and won’t easily rotate. Lock the eyes in place with several tight thread wraps directly in front and in back of the eyes.

4. Securing the Bucktail (Belly):

   • Take a clump of bucktail (white is common for the belly) and clean out the short fuzzy underfur. You want relatively straight, longer fibers. The amount of bucktail should be roughly the thickness of a pencil or slightly less, depending on the hook size and desired profile.

   • Measure the bucktail against the hook. The fibers should extend slightly past the hook bend (but not excessively long).

   • Tie in the bucktail on the bottom of the hook shank, right behind the eyes. Use several tight wraps to secure it. Distribute the bucktail evenly around the bottom of the hook, creating a “belly.”

   • Some tiers will use a dubbing loop technique for the bucktail. To do this, after securing the eyes, split the thread and insert the bucktail. Rotate the dubbing loop tool so that the bucktail is evenly distributed. Secure the bucktail to the hook shank.

5. Add Flash (Optional):

   • Cut a few strands of Krystal Flash or Flashabou. The length should be similar to the bucktail.

   • Tie in the flash on either side of the bucktail, again securing it just behind the eyes. A small amount of flash goes a long way.

6. Securing the Bucktail (Back):

   • Repeat step 4, but this time tie in the bucktail on the top of the hook shank, right behind the eyes. This forms the back of the minnow. The color of the bucktail on the back is often different from the belly (e.g., olive, chartreuse, blue, black). Again, even distribution around the top is important.

7. Form the Head: Build a neat, tapered head with your thread behind the eyes. Whip finish to secure the thread.

8. Cement/Resin: Apply head cement or UV resin to the head to create a durable finish and secure all the materials. If using UV resin, cure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Important Considerations:

• Proportions: The key to a good Clouser is the correct proportions. The bucktail shouldn’t be too bulky.

• Eye Placement: The placement of the eyes is critical for the fly’s action. Too far back, and the fly won’t track correctly.

• Bucktail Quality: Use good-quality bucktail with long, straight fibers.

• Thread Tension: Maintain consistent thread tension throughout the tying process.

• Color Combinations: Experiment with different color combinations to match local baitfish and water conditions.

Clouser Minnow Variations

The Clouser Minnow is a highly adaptable pattern. Here are some popular variations:

• Color Variations: This is the most common variation. Change the color of the bucktail, flash, and thread to match the local baitfish. Popular colors include:

  • White/Chartreuse (classic and highly effective)

  • White/Olive

  • White/Blue

  • White/Black

  • Chartreuse/Chartreuse

  • Pink/White

  • Red/White

  • Tan/White

  • Purple/White

• Size Variations: Tie the Clouser Minnow in a range of sizes to match the size of the baitfish you are trying to imitate. Larger sizes for larger predators, smaller sizes for smaller fish or pressured waters.

• Material Variations:

  • Synthetic Materials: Use synthetic hair like EP Fibers, Craft Fur, or other similar materials in place of bucktail. These materials can provide different actions and profiles. Synthetic materials are a good choice if you don’t have access to high-quality bucktail.

  • Crystal Flash Tail: Extend the Krystal Flash to create a longer tail, adding extra flash and movement.

  • Bead Head Clouser: Incorporate a bead head in front of the eyes for added weight and jigging action.

  • Clouser Half & Half: A variation that combines elements of the Clouser Minnow and the Deceiver. It uses hackle feathers in addition to the bucktail.

  • Foam Clouser: Adding a foam strip to the top of the fly makes it float or suspend, creating a different presentation.

• Weight Variations: Use different weight eyes to control the sink rate of the fly. Heavier eyes for deeper water or faster currents, lighter eyes for shallower water or slower currents.

• Target Species Variations:

  • Smallmouth Bass Clouser: Often tied in brown, olive, and tan colors, with smaller profiles.

  • Largemouth Bass Clouser: Can be tied larger, with more bulk, and in colors like black/blue or chartreuse/white.

  • Trout Clouser: Tied in smaller sizes, often with more natural colors.

  • Saltwater Clouser: Tied with saltwater-resistant hooks and materials, and in colors that match saltwater baitfish.

• Articulated Clouser: An articulated version using two hooks for increased movement.

Tips for Fishing the Clouser Minnow:

• Strip Retrieve: The Clouser Minnow is typically fished with a strip retrieve. Vary the speed and length of your strips to find what the fish are responding to.

• Jigging: The barbell eyes give the Clouser Minnow a jigging action. Try letting the fly sink and then jigging it back up.

• Dead Drift: In some situations, a dead drift presentation can be effective.

• Match the Hatch: Pay attention to the size and color of the baitfish in the area and try to match your Clouser Minnow accordingly.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, sizes, and retrieves to find what works best in your local waters.

The Clouser Minnows are a confidence fly for many anglers. By understanding the basic tying techniques and variations, you can create a fly that will catch fish in a variety of conditions. Good luck tying and fishing!