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Steve Burke's Salmon and Steelhead Fly-Tying Guide
Venerable Skunk
Tied By Scotty Howell

Venerable Skunk, Tied By Scott Howell
Name Venerable Skunk
Category Steelhead
Hook Alec Jackson Spey (Daiichi #2051) Sizes #7 through #1.5 or Partridge CS 10/1 Bartleet Traditional Sizes #8 through #1
ThreadFl. Orange un-waxed 6/0 Danville Flymaster thread
TagFine Silver Oval Tinsel and Green or Chartreuse UniStretch
Tail Red Saddle Hackle or Schlappen fibers
Body1/3 Peacock Herl - 2/3 Black-dyed Seal Hair
Rib Small Oval Tinsel - 4 turns over Seal Hair
Collar(s)Sparse Black Hen Hackle under Natural Guinea Fowl
WingPolar Bear or White Calf Tail accented with Pearl Green Angel Hair
HeadFl Orange

This rendition of the Green Butt Skunk was tied by contributing fly tyer, Scott Howell. Scotty shows again how established patterns can be tied with modern materials in the Atlantic Salmon Fly tradition. Western Steelhead Flies were first developed in that tradition, and although many other styles have evolved, here is an example of how the use of modern materials enhances the fly's effectiveness. The original Skunk has been attributed to various sources. Some believe it was originated by Wes Drain for Washington's Stillaguamish River in the 1930s. Others believe it was originated in the 1940s for Oregon's North Umpqua. It has been tied in numerous variations. Whatever the case, it remains a "venerable" and reliable fly. You can see more of Scott Howell's flies at The Flies of Scott Howell.


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