Mickey Finn

Yellow-red-yellow bucktail over silver tinsel creates a recognizable baitfish attractor.

From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 illustrated steps

Work through the numbered steps in order. Use the written materials and proportions as your guide; select an image for a closer look.

Foundation
Cover the shank smoothly. Tie oval ribbing and flat tinsel at the rear.
Silver body
Wrap flat tinsel forward in touching turns. Add spaced turns of oval ribbing, then secure both.
Layer the wing
Tie a sparse yellow bucktail layer above the body, then red, then yellow. Keep tips aligned about half a shank beyond the bend.
Head
Trim the butts at an angle. Cover with smooth thread wraps, whip finish, and apply head cement.

Beyond the bench

Strip through pools or swing across current. Smaller, sparse versions suit panfish; larger versions suit bass and trout.

Tied by independent makers

No versions are listed yet. Choose a tyer and ask about your sizes, colors and materials. The tyer must confirm availability and send an offer.

Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.

Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.