How to Tie a Sheep Minnow

The sheep minnow fly is a solid option for trout, steelhead and salmon. Originally made by Dave Whitlock, the fly is now patterned after the original. This fly is very customizable via hook size, eyes and rattle. Make choices for each based on your river, nymph hatch and time of year. Follow the basic pattern to make the fly that mimics shad minnows.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly tying vise
  • Forceps
  • TMC 9394 NP hook
  • Mini rattle
  • Minnow gill dubbing
  • Ultra wing
  • Midge flash
  • .006 black thread
  • Mallard drake belly
  • Flat stick on eyes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hook the fly hook into the fly vise at the curve on the hook. Thread the .006 black thread into the forceps and wrap coils around the hook's shank until it is covered in the thread.

    • 2

      Place the rattle onto the shank. Wrap the ends to the shank with the thread so it rests above the curve on the shank.

    • 3

      Place a small ball of the dubbing behind the rattle, on the non-hook side of the shank. Wrap it at the end with thread to secure it to the forming fly.

    • 4

      Add one wing to the fly, extending it out and over the rattle on the opposite side of the dubbing. Wrap it with the thread to secure.

    • 5

      Add the top wing, on the opposite side of the rattle. Wrap it to the shank with the thread.

    • 6

      Slide the eyes onto the end of the hook and tie to the shank with the thread.

    • 7

      Place midge flash to the sides of the fly. Keep it to the sides of the wings and just below the dubbing. Wrap thread around the top collar of the flash.

    • 8

      Remove the fly from the vise and smooth it down and flat with your fingers.