Kinky Muddler
Hook: Gmakatsu Big Game
4/0 SL12s.
Thread: Clear Mono or White Danville
210 Denier Waxed.
Tail: White Bucktail,
flanked by 4 White Saddle Hackle, topped with 6 strands of Krystal Flash.
Rear Body: White Marabou.
Front Body: Slinky Fiber SF Blend.
Eyes: 5/16 3D Eyes, coated with Liquid Fusion or UV Resin.
This is a large piece of ‘meat’. It’s got a broad and thick profile. It was originally developed by a fly fisher named Johnnie King.
To tie this fly, start your thread near the end of the hook shank near the bend. Take securing wraps and cut off the butt end. Prepare a clump of White Bucktail to tie in for your tail. After making securing wraps, use your fingernail to press down at the tie-in point, ensuring the Bucktail completely surrounds the hook shank. It should extend 2 hook shank lengths beyond the bend. Next, prepare 4 White Saddle Hackle to add to your tail. You are going to tie them in on each side of the hook shank to create a ‘tented’ hackle tail. All of the Hackle will ‘cruve in’ and should be slightly longer than the Bucktail. Take 1 wrap of thread under and around the tail. This will help prevent the tail from fouling. Top the tail with 4-6 strands of Krystal Flash.
Next, invert your hook. Take a clump of White Marabou and tie it in on the bottom of the hook. It should sweep rearward at a 45-degree angle and extend halfway down the tail. Invert your hook and tie in a clump of White Marabou on top of the hook shank. Again, it will sweep rearward and mirror the bottom Marabou.
With small clumps of Slinky Fiber SF Blend, you are now going to tie in an alternating series of ‘V’ tie in’s on top and under the hook shank. They will sweep rearward at a 45 degree angle. As you tie in each clump, it should extend ¾ of the length of the previous clump. Continue this process until you end up behind the eye. Whip finish and cut off your thread. Remove the fly from the vice and comb and brush out the Slinky Fiber material rearward. With scissors, trim and shape the fly to your desired shape. Keep in mind that one of the benefits of this fly is it’s beefier and broader profile. Return the fly to the vice. Affix and glue your 3 D eyes in place. I like to coat the eyes and surrounding area with UV Resin to ensure durability.
LIFliesMike has a great video on how to tie this fly below:
