The Butcher: A Killer Streamer That Never Quits

Man, oh man—the Butcher. It’s one of those flies that just works, you know? Simple as dirt to tie, but dang if it doesn’t pull fish out of places they’ve got no business biting. I’ve lost count of how many trout I’ve taken on this thing, and don’t even get me started on perch. Those buggers can’t resist it.

Tying It Up (The Right Way)

Alright, so here’s how I do it—though, hell, every tier’s got their own twist. Grab yourself a short or medium shank hook, nothing fancy. I like a #6 for trout, but if you’re after pike, bump it up. Body’s black floss or dubbed fur, wrapped tight so it’s sleek like a minnow’s belly. Some folks swear by that silvery wire ribbing (or tinsel, if you’re feeling flashy), and yeah, it adds a little sparkle when the light hits just right.

Now, the tail—this is where it gets fun. A pinch of red fibers, just enough to make it look like it’s bleeding. Sounds morbid, but trust me, fish eat that up. The wing? Mallard flank, flat and paired. If I recall correctly, the original called for blue hackle at the throat, but I’ve used black more times than I can count and it still slays.

What’s It Supposed to Be?

Basically, anything a hungry predator wants to chomp. The way that mallard wing moves in the water? Pure magic—dances like a wounded minnow, all erratic and desperate. The red tail flashes just enough to trigger strikes, and that slim black body? Well, let’s just say it’s the universal language of "eat me."

Where to Throw It

Anywhere with teeth, honestly. Trout? Absolutely. Salmon? You bet. But don’t sleep on perch or those sneaky asp—they’ll hammer it too. I’ve even heard of guys using it in brackish water for sea-run stuff, though personally, I’ve never tried.

Speaking of, I remember one time on the Drina, just as the light was fading, I tossed this thing into a slack pool and—wham—a pike-perch nearly yanked the rod out of my hand. Thing fought like it had a personal grudge.

Anyway, point is: The Butcher’s a classic for a reason. It’s not flashy, it’s not complicated, but dang if it doesn’t catch fish. And really, what else matters?