Check out the fly tying video below, as our friend Jack Reis from Fishpond provides a great tutorial on how to tie the Bad Medicine Intruder.
Intruder style fly patterns were developed in the Pacific Northwest, where they were designed to swing for salmon and steelhead. Here in Colorado, we have a quickly growing appreciation for intruders as very effective trout spey flies.
What we love about intruder style flies, is that they provide a great deal of movement and volume in the water without a lot of bulk or weight. This makes them excellent patterns during periods of high water, runoff, or anytime the water is off-color. The voluminous and pulsing nature of these flies moves water and creates turbulence – an important factor for trout when visibility is low. Meaning, trout can feel prey even when it’s difficult for them to see it.
In this color variation, the Bad Medicine Intruder makes an outstanding crawdad imitation on waters like the Lower Colorado River or the North Platte River. But as Jack points out in the video, the fun thing about this style of flies is that they can be tied in a wide range of variations to suit just about any situation.
Take a look, as Jack gives us a detailed tutorial on how to the Bad Medicine Intruder:
Materials List:
- SHANK: Intruder or Waddington Shank (25mm-30mm)
- WIRE: Senyo’s Thin Intruder Trailer Hook Wire (Size 6 or Smaller)
- HOOK: Gamakatsu Octopus (Size 8)
- THREAD: 140 Denier Ultra Thread (Dark Brown)
- REAR COLLAR: Senyo’s Fusion Dub (Tobacco) // Mallard Flank (Hot Orange) // Ostrich Plumes (Orange) // Ringneck Rump Feathers (Natural)
- EYES: Dumbbell Eyes - Medium
- BODY: Flat Braid (Small | Pearl)
- RIB: Ultra Wire Medium (Copper)
- FRONT COLLAR: Senyo’s Fusion Dub (Tobacco) // Mallard Flank (Hot Orange) // Ostrich Plumes (Hot Orange) // Barred Ostrich Plumes (Barred Orange) // Ringneck Rump Feathers (Natural)
Contact Us With Questions
If you have questions about fly tying or need help with tools or materials, please let us know! Stop by and visit us at the fly shop in Littleton. Or, give us a call at 303-794-1104 and we’d be happy to give you a hand.
