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Sneaky Pete fly pattern
Chartreuse foam slider · View the pattern reference ↗

FlyFysher

Surface fly / Pattern notes

Sneaky Pete

A reversed foam popper head slides and wakes with a quieter surface action.

At the vise
Beginner friendly
Common sizes
#4–10
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.

  1. Sneaky Pete, step 1: Fit the head

    Fit the head

    Test-fit the foam head with its narrow end toward the hook eye. Mark the rear edge and remove it.

  2. Sneaky Pete, step 2: Tail

    Tail

    Start thread behind that mark. Tie a short marabou tail at the bend and cover its butts.

  3. Sneaky Pete, step 3: Collar

    Collar

    Wrap a few hackle turns immediately behind the head position. Secure and whip finish.

  4. Sneaky Pete, step 4: Attach the head

    Attach the head

    Build a thread base beneath the head. Apply foam-safe glue and slide the head into place, keeping the eye and hook gap clear.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Glide it across calm margins with small strips and long pauses. Use smaller heads for sunfish.

Tied by independent makers

Find your Sneaky Pete.

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Recipe references

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

Portrait reference

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

Featherwater — Sneaky Pete ↗

For the same fly box.

Dahlberg Diver fly patternDahlberg DiverSurface fly · #6–1/0Foam Popper fly patternFoam PopperSurface fly · #4–12Gartside Gurgler fly patternGartside GurglerSurface fly · #6–2/0