This week’s streamer is the Heifer Groomer. It’s an articulated version of Kelly Galloup’s most well-known fly, the Zoo Cougar. When designing flies, most guides want the end result to be a pattern that’s fast to tie, durable and productive. With this one, Kelly’s hit the nail on the head. Consisting of only marabou, Mallard flank, a little flash and some deer hair, it’s a “guide fly” if we’ve ever seen one. If you’ve never palmered marabou or spun deer hair before, it can be a little tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it you can whip them out as quick as you please. Like most of Kelly’s flies, it’s best fished on a sinking line with medium-fast strips. It should also be noted that most of the action should be provided by the rod, just like fishing a jerk bait or jig on a spinning rod. Once again, video credit here goes to Brian Wise of FlyFishingtheOzarks.
Here’s what you’ll need …
Back Hook
Hook: Streamer Hook, 3XL Body/Tail: Marabou, yellow Wing: Mallard Flank Articulation Point: Beadalon Spacer: Glass Bead, size E (3) Front Hook
Hook: Gamakatsu B10s #2 Flash: Flashabou Wing: Mallard Flank Head: Deer Hair
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Paul’s Fat Head
For more tips on selecting and spinning deer hair, we’ve found these videos by Kelly incredibly helpful.
– The Black Gnats
The Black Gnats 