Back around 2002 I was getting ready to take my first trip to Kamchatka, Russia. I was excited and knew that I wanted to fish top-water mice as much as possible. I also knew I that I did not want to fish any rods heavier than a six weight. Umpqua signature tier and friend David Lambroughton had given me some really thick foam the year before that he used on his spider fly. Also, I had been influenced by Tony Wratney, a famous North Umpqua steelhead guide who invented foam backed skating flies. I have no love of any existing mouse patterns so I set out to make my own. My primary goal was not to make a fly that looked like a mouse but rather a fly that had as little mass (or materials that could become waterlogged) as possible that even unskilled anglers could deliver with a five or six-weight rod. My original patterns had even less deer hair on their bodies and I shaved most of the fur of the rabbit tail to keep it light and realistic. With only three steps/materials, it is the simplest fly I have ever designed but it does everything I wanted it to do and has led to lots of fun on the water for countless anglers.
This fly is easy to cast, hard to sink, and super effective.
Fish this with a high rod tip and steady subtle pulse/chug. This is also a great night fishing pattern in both still waters and rivers.
