Bucktail Deceiver Streamer Step-by-Step

Tips and Tricks

1. Bucktail Selection – While bucktails can be purchased from any number of online retailer (including through the affiliate links above), it is always worth seeking out local sources for this material.  These tails can be extremely variable, and, when purchased blindly, you’re never quite sure if you’ll be receiving hair with a max length of 3” or hair with a maximum length of 6+”.  The former may prove too short for larger streamers.  While the latter may prove a waste if your tying needs are limited to small Clouser’s Minnows. 
2. Color Selection – While I stuck with all white in the example above, don’t overlook color combos when tying your bucktail deceivers.  To accomplish this simply switch from your initial color (usually the lighter shade) to your second color after applying the flash.  A Yellow over White example posted near the top of the article provides an idea of the outcome.
3. Sticky Situation – You may notice, that Zap-a-Gap made its way into the material list above.  While not utilized in this example, keep some on hand if you’re struggling to secure your bucktail.  If this is the case, and your fly is “shedding,” simply apply a dab of Zap-a-Gap or Super glue to your wraps securing each layer of bucktail.  The only caveat is be sure to allow time to dry between each application. 
4. Weight – In my opinion this pattern is best fished unweighted.  With its near neutral buoyancy, the bucktail deceiver is at its best when it is allowed hover in the water column between strips of line.  That said, if you need to get this fly deeper, and lack an intermediate or sink tip line, consider experimenting with a few wraps of lead-free wire around the shank.  It may require a few test runs to get right, but eventually you should find the appropriate number of wraps to achieve your desired sink rate.