Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019 - 30

by Carl Haensel

photos by the author

Fly fishing for Muskellunge and Northern
Pike may be some of the best action of the
year on a fly rod. Electric takes from hardstriking fish, coupled with some of the largest
freshwater gamefish, will excite even veteran
anglers. To get the fish to hit, it takes a good
fly. Many patterns have been developed
over the past two decades, and the Flashtail
Whistler is a great option, especially for new
pike or Muskellunge anglers.
Originally designed for saltwater applications
by Dan Blanton, its name originated from
the bead chain eyes that first graced the
pattern. As it sailed through the air, the wind
whistle on the open holes of the bead chain
were heard. On this version, slightly heavier
dumbbell eyes have been used to get the fly
down quicker. If you are casting with a full
floating line, try this version. If you are using
a sinking line or sink-tip, use bead chain eyes.
This fly is light, does not hold a lot of water
and casts easily. Fly fishing for pike is fun, and
a lighter fly can keep you on the water longer
with less arm fatigue from casting.
This fly can be tied in a myriad of color
variations. Anglers should create a variety
of sizes and colors to match their needs and
provide options when on the water. Brighter,
more colorful versions work well in off-colored
water. Try tying a tan and white version for
clearer waters and a fully chartreuse version
for off-color locations.
When you are working the fly, keep your
rod tip low, even touching the water. This
will ensure all motion is transferred to the
fly. Short, sharp strips will give this fly a kick
and pulse, with the eyes imparting a slight
"jigging" motion.
The feather collar, made of schlappen,
pulses nicely in the water, adding a lifelike
gill movement to the fly. Try tying the collar
with red schlappen as a pike fishing option.
Tie your fly onto a wire leader when targeting
toothy fish like pickerel, pike or Muskellunge.
Using a loop knot in this material will allow
for better fly action and a more effective
presentation. Do not be surprised if you catch
big Largemouth Bass or Smallmouth Bass on
this pattern as well. It is a great, all-around

option for lots of different predators as baitfish
grow larger in the fall.

Tying the Flashtail Whistler
Materials
Hook: 1/0 Gamakatsu SC15 or similar
streamer hook
Thread: Natural Kevlar 200 fly tying thread
Body: Chartreuse and white bucktail
Head: Yellow or desired color of small chenille
Wing: Grizzly saddle hackle in desired color
Flash: Red or desired color of Krystal Flash
Collar: Olive or desired color of schlappen
Eyes: Bead chain or desired weight of
dumbbell eyes
Tail: Flashabou mirage

1 Begin the fly tying on the bead chain or

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2019

dumbbell eyes. Then, wrap a base layer of
thread over the shank of the hook. The eyes
in this fly ride below the shank of the hook,
causing the fly to ride hook point down in
the water.
Tie in the Flashabou mirage tail, making it about
three times the length of the shank of the hook.
Invert the hook, and tie in the white bucktail.
Make sure to leave plenty of room behind the
eyes for subsequent material to build forward.
Return the fly to an upright position, and tie
in the chartreuse bucktail. Add cyanoacrylate
glue over both colors of bucktail to add
to durability. UV curing fly finish may also
be used.
Tie in the grizzly saddle hackle and Krystal
Flash along the flanks of the fly on each side.
Tie in the yellow chenille just behind the
eyes, providing a base area for the schlappen
to flare over in the next step.
Tie in the schlappen just behind the eyes,
and wrap it around the shank to form a
collar. Hold it down over the rest of the fly,
and tie in a few wraps to flare the collar to
the rear of the fly.
Add additional thread wraps to finish the
head of the fly, and whip finish it in front of
the eyes. Glue it for durability, and you are
ready to go fishing.
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2019

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