One of the most recognized flies in the world has to be the Muddler Minnow. The fly created around 1936 by Don Gapen for use on the Nipigon River in Canada. The fly that is most available in fly shops and online is a far cry from the original. The first fly shown is a typical Muddler tied today. It is neat and evenly proportioned, not a flaw. This fly would not be passed up by a angler looking into a fly shop bin. I how ever would not buy one like this for it is to neat and tight and does not fish well. In the water I find these to float, lay sideways, and when retrieved they can come back in many ways all of which are unappealing to fish. I have been in many fly shops and retail sporting goods places in my life and the only place I have found a Muddler that was tied close to what the original looked like was in Sam's Army and Navy Store in Brattleboro VT. I have a couple of those Muddlers which I use today.
This is a Muddler from Sam's. It is tied rather sparse and does not have a overly large head.
This fly came from the Rangeley Sport Shop in Maine. As you can see it to is on the sparse side and it incorporates a long slim head.
Alan that is some interesting history. I did not realize the difference, though I can say that in practice, loose, "messy" muddlers or really flies in general, seem to work better. I like the look of those "loose" ones you tied and that you purchased.
ReplyDeleteFun to think of SAM's... I've not been there in years, but used to go probably once a month. It was about 50' from home, so we'd go up to do some family shopping in Brattleboro and always hit SAMS, whether we needed anything there or not. My folks just knew I loved looking at the stuff.
I've not been in years, do you know if they still exist? I think the one in Keene, NH., is still there, but not totally sure.
Hibernation
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Will messy and loose, I like that it really describes it. And they seem to produce better than the "fancier" ones.
Fran Betters tied the mini muddler which was also sparse.
Sam's is still there in Brattleboro. I to stop in there each time we visit the co-op store in town. I like the way it's set up, with all different rooms of everything outdoors.
The Sam's in Keene is alive and well as is the Brattleboro store. There was another Sam's in Bellows Falls but they've closed that one. If you're in the Brattleboro area it pays to take a drive up to Bellows Falls and fish the gorge under the Vilas bridge. Fish it from the Vermont side. Then, go over to Allen Brothers market for the best cider donuts ever made.
Deletemike
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I didn't know they had a store in Keene. Bellows Falls is but short drive, and those cider donuts sound so good. I think Bellows Falls is the home of Carlton Fisk.
I really like the original big Gapen Muddler. Phenomenal fly for nigtfishing, for one thing.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan I can see a big muddler pushing along a river at midnight and some big ole brown slamming the hell out of it. In Nick Karas book "Brook Trout" there is a photo of some very large fully dressed Mickey Finns, sizes 3/0 to 1. These flies are used for big brook trout in Canada.
Alan -----this is one fly that every flr fishermen should have in their fly box. I have landed some monster bluegill using the Muddler and some awesome spotted bass as well. I like the puffy version because of the high float I get when letting it set motionlessly. That is when I usually get the savage hits. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteBill Trussell
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Bluegills on a muddler, now that's the first I've heard of that. I can see it used for bass and you have success to show. We both agree on the awesome way a fish takes this fly. You may want to give it a try on the Sipsey.
Mike - thanks! Cider Donuts are GOOOOOOOD!
ReplyDeleteThere you go Will.
DeleteSome flies are tied to catch fish, and others to catch fishermen. What the Muddler has morphed into is more of the latter as you point out. How many times do you hear folks say, "The more chewed up my fly got, the better it fished."? Why not tie what the fish want to begin with? Love your version btw.
ReplyDeleteRalphsFlyBox
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Ralph, I heard it said by many a commercial tyer that if they did not tie a beautiful fly they would not sell. The fish see it differently.