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Tying Mad Sculpins

For anyone that has ever observed a sculpin in person, they are indisputably one of the most interesting little critters, easily distinguishable from any other stream minnow. With their large flat heads, bubbly eyes, enlarged fins, and sleek mottled bodies, they are the all illusive minnows of the streams we fish.

Sculpins are rarely observed by average fishermen, mostly due to their superb camouflage capabilities. They all but disappear into the stream bed. When they are spotted, sculpins are often seen bolting from rock to rock when fly fishers are

checking out the day's nymphs. If you are quick enough you may even manage to net one of these little guys before they reach shelter. These prehistoric looking minnows are a staple food of angler worthy trout. They are often chased by larger browns during the dusk and evening hours, and can be a valuable asset to anyone's fly box. So, how do we make flies as interesting and unique as sculpins?

The Basics

The basics of sculpin tying are simple. The pattern should always be weighted, with a large flat head and natural colors. Depending on the region, sculpins range from a brownish tan color, all the way to dark olive tones which makes for a very particular color selection.
Sculpins are not very "shiny" minnows, so the use of mylar, or other reflective materials is not necessary. A large collar or protruding feathers imitating the large fins of the sculpin are constants. Another important factor is size. Across

North America Sculpins grow to 3.5" on average however I have captured a few larger specimens topping the 5" range. Streamer 2x - 3x hooks, size 2 to 8 tend to do the trick just fine. Use of mottled materials such as turkey quill is a great way to achieve that natural look. Finally to tie the desired large broad heads, the use of spun deer hair or ram's wool is most common.

The flies

There is no denying it, sculpin patterns are out there! From the famous Whitlock's Matuka, the muddler, the wool-heads, to the Clouser patterns, fly tyers are presented with a number of tried and true sculpin interpretations. We are going to showcase some of these patterns, and cover the necessary techniques to fish a sculpin correctly. A basic knowledge of fly tying & tying materials is recommended for typing sculpins. Difficultly level is set at intermediate for the following patterns.

N2 Sculpin, Olive (Click image for full pattern)
	One of my personal favorites, this sculpin pattern is a basic cross between a Matuka and a wool head pattern. I like the use of ram's wool personally over deer hair as it adds more "life" or action to the fly.

Whitlock's Matuka Sculpin, Brown (Click image for full pattern)
	Probably the most famous sculpin pattern, Whitlock's Matuka is now widely available through Umpqua Feather Merchants.

N2 Hare Sculpin, Brown (Click image for full pattern)
	Need some help convincing finicky trout? Try this pattern. The combination of rabbit strips and ram's wool gives this fly unparalleled action. The use of 3D holographic eyes further promotes realism.

Muddler Minnow (Click image for full pattern)
	One of the most popular flies, the muddler minnow has set the standard through the world. The first muddler minnow originated in the 1930s and was developed by Canadian Don Gapen. Today many variations of this fly exist and are equally effective for both trout and bass.

The above patterns outline only some of the patterns available today. Only a tier's creativity limits the variations that can be tied.

Sculpin Techniques

Sculpins should be fished as darting, bottom dwelling minnows. The extra weight of the fly should help keep it close to the bottom. The darting action can be achieved through short, irregular jerks of the rod, or by stripping in the fly line. Look for, and cast towards deeper pools, or tail water. These are the places sculpin minnows hide.

Fish these minnows to target active, feeding trout. Best fished at dusk or at night, prime trophy trout feeding times, no fly fisher should be without a few sculpins in their fly box.

Ready to see more sculpin patterns? Check out the results from Online Fly Tyer's official Sculpin 2003 swap now! See the flies...

Written By: Nick Pujic, © Feb, 2003
Photographs By: Nick Pujic & National Aquarium Society
Illustrations By: Dave Whitlock (Used with written permission, do not copy)