Minnow Patterns

[Wetswinger]

I had a little success stripping a small, all white clouser at my local lake last week. Got me thinking I would like to further this minnow thing.. I was looking at an old Al Cambell fly tying site and decided I'll tie-up some Thunder Creek minnows.
What minnow patterns do you all find effective for Westside lakes? Care to share the preferred angling techniques? Thanks!..

 

[Flymph]

Match the "Minnow" (hatch) that fish are feeding on. I would think you would want to concentrate on lakes with creek flow (inlet-outlet). I say this because these are the only lakes I have encountered minnows. There is one particular lake that has irrigation inflow from a local river that carries sculpin into the lake. Others, not me, have had some success with muddler type imitations from time to time.

 

[Wetswinger]

Match the "Minnow" (hatch) that fish are feeding on. I would think you would want to concentrate on lakes with creek flow (inlet-outlet). I say this because these are the only lakes I have encountered minnows. There is one particular lake that has irrigation inflow from a local river that carries sculpin into the lake. Others, not me, have had some success with muddler type imitations from time to time.

Most the lakes I fish are "basin" lakes and spring fed. They all have warm water species and trout..the spawn should be happening soon. I just need to get some productive flies and techniques.

 

[troutpocket]

Balanced minnow stuff

@Billy ‘s post about the interesting bite inspired me to post. I’ve simplified my approach to balanced minnows and the fish seem okay with it. Recipe: Thread: pond olive ultra thread 140 Hook: #8 60-degree jig, balanced with straight pin and 3.3mm tungsten bead Tail: cinnamon marabou...

pnwflyfishing.com

I fish these near shorelines, especially around vegetation and other structures. Steep banks are a plus.

 

[Bambooflyguy]

Look up “pellet minnows” and see what turns up.......

 

[Northern]

Lots of em here!
Thread 'A monthly themed "contest"' https://pnwflyfishing.com/forum/index.php?threads/a-monthly-themed-contest.3379/

 

[Wetswinger]

Balanced minnow stuff

@Billy ‘s post about the interesting bite inspired me to post. I’ve simplified my approach to balanced minnows and the fish seem okay with it. Recipe: Thread: pond olive ultra thread 140 Hook: #8 60-degree jig, balanced with straight pin and 3.3mm tungsten bead Tail: cinnamon marabou...

pnwflyfishing.com

I fish these near shorelines, especially around vegetation and other structures. Steep banks are a plus.

You strip these or use an indicator..? Would this work in an un- balanced style?

 

[troutpocket]

You strip these or use an indicator..? Would this work in an un- balanced style?

I fish those under an indicator. For the indicator-averse, I also use traditional baitfish, like these:

 

[WonderBrad]

Olive/White/Orange Optic Minnow is one of the best producers for me. The lighting strike marabou muddler also produces well (in white black and olive).

 

[EmergingFisher]

Carey Special - technically not listed as a "minnow" but whatever. Put eyes on it if you must.

 

[SpeyrodGB]

Olive/White/Orange Optic Minnow is one of the best producers for me. The lighting strike marabou muddler also produces well (in white black and olive).

The first pattern looks a lot like the Scotty McFly. Good looking fly