The whistler has been a very effective streamer for fooling plenty of smallmouth bass but has been an especially effective fly for catching northern pike.
Thread- Red
Tail- Silver Flash and grizzle hackle
Wing- White Bucktail
Collar- Red Saddle Hackle
Eyes- Beadchain
I have not tied one of these guys in a while. It is a fantastic striper fly! Thanks for the inspiration I have to head to my local bank/DMV/library and steal some bead chain.
ReplyDeleteI'd assume its a universally good fly for most large predatory fish. Your right, bead chain from the bank is much cheaper then from bass pro.
DeleteBlake
ReplyDeleteThis is one awesome looking pattern, it is perfect for some fall smallmouth or even spots on my local lake. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Bill, I'd bet those spots would eat em up, you can up size and down size this pattern to match the hatch.
DeleteGoing to upsize that into a musky fly with a few alterations. With as much Pike action as that gets, and your dedication to using 6-8 lb test, tying whistlers must be a full time job! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm stubborn to say the least. I'll take 20 bite offs and still re-tie on the same pound test leader... As you have witnessed.
DeleteHmmm musky ;)
Sweet pattern! I tied one last night, but didn't have the red hackle so I used red bucktail. You think that will work decent?
ReplyDeleteI think its a fine substitute. A lot in fly tying seems interchangeable. Some materials are just downright hard to find.
Deletesweet looking pattern!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sanders
DeleteI like!
ReplyDeleteThanks Luke
DeleteI'm waiting for the cold snap. Then perhaps those pike will want to play. That pattern looks great. I throw a similar pattern for the local pike.
ReplyDeletewell the cold snaps aren't too far off i would estimate... good luck this fall on the pike. im sure i would be following your footsteps if not for the salmon ;)
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