Fathead Beetle
Hook: Tiemco TMC100, size 12. Thread: Black 8/0 (70 denier). Body: Peacock herl. Back: 2-millimeter-thick black foam. Wings: Gray polypropylene yarn. Indicator: Bug Yarn. Notes: All kinds of beetles are present in the Midwest. This fly works everywhere trout eat terrestrials. Tied in size 16 and 14, this pattern is a fine ant imitation. By midsummer, smallmouth bass often stage under overhanging trees to sip any morsels that fall onto the water; tie this pattern in slightly larger size 10 and give it a try.
Zoo Cougar
Hook: Tiemco TMC300, size 4 or 2. Thread: Gel spun. Tail: Yellow marabou. Body: Pearl Sparkle Braid. Wing: Mallard flank dyed wood duck yellow. Underwing: White calftail. Collar: Yellow deer body hair. Head: Olive-yellow deer body hair. Notes: It’s hard to believe that this groundbreaking pattern is now considered a classic. It is both a sculpin and crayfish imitation. This fly fishes best using a sinking-head line. Strip and swing it across the current to catch both trout and smallmouth bass.
Bethke Pink Squirrel
Hook: Mustad 3906, sizes 16 to 12. Thread: Black 8/0 (70 denier) or 6/0 (140 denier). Bead: Gold. Tail: Two strands of rainbow Krystal Flash. Abdomen: Fox squirrel body fur mixed with amber Antron Lureflash and olive Ice Dub. Rib: Red wire. Thorax: Fluorescent shrimp pink chenille. Notes: My best guess is that the Pink Squirrel imitates a pregnant scud. This is the original recipe, but there are numerous variations that are all productive patterns. Scuds are slowmoving bottom dwellers, so fish this fly deep and slow.
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