Fly Patterns

This fly was designed to be a more durable version of the black and orange "marabous" that have historically taken trophy browns from the turbid waters of the East Walker River near Bridgeport. The goblin incorporates the best of the woolly bugger, the bunny fly, and the marabous. It is not a good fly when used in clear water under bright skies; however, I've yet to find anything more effective during spring runoff or other conditions when the water is murky. The bright and dark contrast seems to perk up otherwise uninterested trout; don't ask why it just does. It is deadly when the streams murk up a bit after a summer thundershower. Read Streamer Strategies to learn more about using this fly.

Step 1. Tie in a chunk of marabou at bend so that it trails shank-length behind the hook. Tie in wire, hackle tip first, and the chenille on top of marabout ie in point.
Step 2. Wrap (palmer) chenille then hackle to eye of the hook. Make three turns of hackle at the head. Counter wrap wire over hackle and chenille to eye of hook.
Step 3. Tie in bunny strip at head. Whip, trim and cement.
Step 4. Tie thread back onto fly at bend of hook. Pull bunny strip tight over the back of the fly and securely tie down at bend. Whip and trim thread.
Step 4 (alternate). Liberally paint leather side of bunny with wood and leather Superglue. Pinch strip to body of fly until glue sets. Since I'm a hack, this is the way I usually do it.