Faux Silversides Minnow; a take on the Thunder Creek Minnow
Saltwater Fly
Tied By Darrell Olson
Hook: Mustad S71SNP-DT, Size 2
Thread: 210 Denier, White
Body Parts: Flanks, back, belly, gills, eyes, head
Materials: Silver Krystal Flash, Chartreuse Faux Bucktail, Black Barred Flashabou, Olive Faux Bucktail, White Faux Bucktail, Red Marker, Hareline Adhesive Eyes 3/16 Super Pearl, UV Glue – Thin
Notes:
Thunder Creek flies were developed by Keith Fulsher, a fly fisherman from Eastchester, New York. He began experimenting with these flies in the early 1970s, particularly testing them on Thunder Creek in northern Wisconsin. Fulsher aimed to create a series of imitative flies that accurately represented the form and coloration of local baitfish, leading to the development of a streamlined and effective design.
The Thunder Creek series is characterized by its reversed bucktail style, where the bucktail is tied onto the hook shank in a way that the tips project forward, creating a substantial head that mimics the appearance of a minnow. This design allows for large eyes and a more realistic baitfish imitation. The flies typically use a combination of colors to represent the dorsal, midline, and belly of the baitfish.