Stripey – Perch Fly

Stripey is an imitative Perch fly or a lure, depending on your view. This pattern is a natural attractor for predatory fish, and while aimed at pike, it is sure to appeal to zander as well.  This fly combines an imitation of baitfish with some bright, loud patterns to act as attractors.

Stripey pulled on a slow jerked retrieve will imitate a wounded perch; alternatively, with a fast strip back will trigger territorial aggression – both result in takes and fish landed.

When the water is clear, some anglers prefer natural pike fly patterns. When the water is murkier or colder, brighter pike fly patterns could work better. Stripey combines a little of both worlds.

Recipe

Hook: 2/0 Kamasan 940

Body

 – Under: Black Thread

 – Over: Synthetic Hair (top) Olive (Bottom) White

Fins: Short Golden Olive/Yellow Synthetic Hair

Eyes: Holographic 10mm

Head: UV Resin over Eyes

Stripes: black permanent Marker

Outline Tying Notes

Start the thread at eye, and wind up and down the shank 2 or 3 times to establish a firm base for the body.

Start at the tail and tie in small pinches of synthetic hair (white under olive over)and varnish in. 

Tie in a second small pinch using the first to kick the second up and form a body. Repeat to about 7-10mm from the eye of the hook. 

Take a small pinch of golden olive/yellow and flare out to fan, tie in on each side as a fin. 

Continue with 1 or 2 more pinches of white/olive synthetic hair. Form the nose of the fly and finish

with tread wraps. Whip finish and varnish head.

Allow varnish to dry.

Comb fur out as a thin veil over the hook, and using thinning scissors, thin out the tail.

Peel the eyes off the backing paper and locate one on each side of the head.

Form a bubble of UV resin between the eyes and over the head of the fly, set and repeat as necessary to build a robust head and lock eyes in.

Using a Sharpie or similar, mark in 4 bars—heavy in the olive and bleeding out.