Clouser Minnow

How the Clouser Minnow is tied

Tying a Clouser Minnow begins with a sturdy, straight-shank hook, usually in sizes 2 to 10. Two different colors of bucktail hair, typically white and a darker color like chartreuse, blue, or olive, form the body. White bucktail is tied in first to create the belly, while the darker color forms the back.

The signature characteristic of a Clouser Minnow is its pair of heavy, lead dumbbell eyes tied just behind the hook eye, which gives the fly its jigging motion and helps it sink quickly. Flash material may be added to the body for extra attractiveness. The end result is a slim, baitfish-like profile with an irresistible up-and-down motion in the water.

What the Clouser Minnow mimics

The Clouser Minnow is designed to imitate small baitfish, a primary food source for many predatory fish species. The dumbbell eyes make the fly dive nose-first, mimicking the darting movement of a frightened or injured baitfish.

Where the Clouser Minnow is used

The Clouser Minnow is extremely versatile and can be used in both fresh and saltwater environments. It's popular for species ranging from smallmouth bass and pike in freshwater to bonefish, redfish, and striped bass in saltwater.

The fly is usually fished on a sinking or sink-tip line and is stripped with varying speeds to imitate a baitfish.