How to Tie a Mouse Fly

A mouse fly is an imitation mouse attached to a hook. As trout and other predatory fish grow, they begin eating larger meals such as frogs and mice. Fly anglers who wish to catch large fish can have success using a mouse fly, which is made with common fly-fishing materials.

Things You'll Need

  • 2x streamer hook size 2/0 to 10
  • Nylon thread
  • Brown fly-buoy foam
  • Horse mane hair (optional)
  • Black paint or permanent marker (optional)
  • Scissors
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap the thread around the hook shank six or seven times.

    • 2

      Cut a strip of brown fly-buoy foam equal to the length of the hook and ½-inch wide. Place the end of the strip on the hook shank, letting the end of the strip hang loosely. Secure the strip by wrapping the thread around it 40 times. This piece is the tail of the mouse.

    • 3

      Place a pinch of deer hair on the base of the hook and secure it by wrapping it with the thread five or six times. Continue this process, covering the base of the hook and the entire shank with small chunks of hair. Begin at the base and work toward the shank, making sure to place chunks of hair not only along the top of the hook shank, but also on the side and bottom.

    • 4

      Cut the brown fly-buoy foam into the shape of two small mouse ears. Attach the ears by placing them at the end of the hook shank, one on the left side and one on the right side. Wrap each of them individually with thread about 10 times.

    • 5

      Divide the horse mane hair into two sections. Place the horse mane hair at the end of the hook shank, one section on each side of the shank. Wrap the thread around the hair 10 times for each section of hair, forming whiskers.

    • 6

      Cut the thread and secure it by tying it tightly to the end of the shank.

    • 7

      Paint on eyes using black paint or black permanent marker, if you wish to add eyes to your mouse.