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Murdich Minnow Streamer Step-by-Step:
More often than not, the patterns shared on this blog are the result of goals I’ve set or trips on the horizon. They find their way into my vise with specific intentions. Perhaps it’s a new species to target or simply new waters to explore. On occasion, however, a pattern simply catches my eye and finds its way into my box in hopes it will serve a purpose. Such is the case with this week’s step-by-step, the Murdich Minnow.
When a fellow local angler, Brian, had mentioned it to me at a recent RSFF meeting, I didn’t think much about it. I had a vague image of a small, flashy streamer in my mind that seemed to match Brian’s description, but can’t say for certain whether I could pick it out of a lineup. However, I eventually caught the podcast that had brought the pattern to Brian’s attention. That discussion further piqued my interest. And after watching Brian fish the pattern a few days later, I was convinced this streamer had a place in both my fly box and this blog’s fly pattern catalog.
Created by Bill Murdich as a pattern for targeting striped bass, the pattern quickly became a favorite among smallmouth anglers as well. With near neutral buoyancy, the fly hangs just below the surface, darting erratically with each strip of the fly line.
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Murdich Minnnow Streamer Step-by-Step Tying Instructions:
(Mobile Viewers: Click images to enlarge)
Tips and Tricks
- Substitution – While the original pattern calls for a material known as Ice Fur, I’ve substituted an EP fiber style synthetic for the collar in the tutorial above. In Brian’s case, he substituted Pearl Ice Dub. Both patterns still fish true to form, so don’t be afraid to substitute when necessary.
- Color – While you can swap material colors as needed, a selection of sharpies is all that is required to create a variety of baitfish mimics. The underside of most will match the pattern shown. Just touch up the sides and back of the fly to mimic your local forage species.
- Fish it Deep – A benefit of neutral buoyancy steamers is there ability to suspend in the water column. This makes them ideal for fishing shallow or over thick vegetation, but don’t overlook their value in deeper water. Tie this pattern to the appropriate intermediate or sinking fly line, and you’ll be able to probe the depth of your choice with a bait fish pattern that darts and hovers.
Proof of Concept
I’ll wait for warmer weather to prove this one out, but I have high hopes the local spotted bass and chain pickerel will be as enamored with it as the smallmouth and pike are in more northern states.
Tight Lines!
-Chris
Species Caught on the Murdich Minnow Streamer to Date:
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Nice looking fly! It’s good that you included Tip and Trick #1. I like to give substitute materials on my fly patterns as well because I’ll definitely use something else if I already have it. Although I almost can’t resist shopping for new materials … 🙂
Absolutely. I’ve run into some folks who insist it is no longer the original pattern if you substitute, but that’s honestly not feasible…especially when you’re starting out. I’ll always recommend substitution over purchasing a redundant material or one you may have no use for in the future.
And for those who may not want to take my word for it, Orvis actually produced a podcast regarding material substitution with Cheech from Fly Fish Food a year or so ago. As supply chain issues have made certain materials scarce, even the big boys in the industry are acknowledging the need to substitute as you may not even be able to locate the original material.
Thanks again for reading, Darrell. I look forward to reading your upcoming posts.