St. Johns High Tie Minnow Fly
Hair Wing Streamer
Tied By Darrell Olson
Hook: Mustad 3407, Size 6
Thread: Red Danville’s Flat Waxed Nylon
Underwing: White Kip Tail (tied short on the bottom of the hook)
Flash: Flashabou (color to match the upper wing)
Overwing: Kip Tail (color of your choice, tied in a similar fashion to the underwing)
Eyes: Bead chain
Notes:
The St. Johns High Tie Minnow is a popular shad fly pattern in the St. Johns River, known for its effectiveness in targeting shad on the fly. It is tied with bead chain eyes, ensuring the fly rides hook tip up, which helps prevent it from snagging in grass or muscle beds. The high tie wing presentation resembles a small baitfish or shrimp, making it look like it’s diving for cover. This pattern is particularly successful when fished near the bottom using a sink tip line or polyleader, where it can bounce through cover to find a hiding spot. The St. Johns High Tie Minnow has also been effective for other species, including crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and bass.
