BaitfishbeginnerMidwest & Driftless
Clouser Minnow
$5.95
Available Sizes#4 - #8
Color Variations
Chartreuse/WhiteOlive/WhiteWhiteBrown/Orange
Bob Clouser tied this for smallmouth on the Susquehanna River and accidentally created the most important fly of the twentieth century. The lead eyes flip it hook-point-up so it bounces along rocky bottoms without snagging, which is helpful because smallmouth bass live in places specifically designed to eat your flies. Chartreuse and white is the combination that works everywhere from Ozark smallmouth rivers to the flats of the Florida Keys, which is an absurd range for a fly that takes three minutes to tie.
Quick Facts
TypeBaitfish
Difficultybeginner
SeasonsSpring, Summer, Fall
Target SpeciesSmallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish
Sizes#4 - #8
Best LocationsCurrent River, MO; Eleven Point River, MO; Spring River, AR
Where to Fish It
Current River
MO · Ozark River
Eleven Point River
MO · Ozark River
Spring River
AR · Spring-Fed River
Map unavailable. Locations for Clouser Minnow: Current River, MO; Eleven Point River, MO; Spring River, AR
Related Reading
species science
The Bronze Back: Smallmouth Bass on the Fly
Smallmouth bass fight harder than trout, eat more aggressively than largemouth, and live in some of the most beautiful water on the continent. From Driftless spring creeks to Great Lakes tributaries to Appalachian smallmouth rivers, the bronze back demands respect and rewards understanding.
technique
After Dark: The Night Fishing Guide
The largest brown trout in any river feeds almost exclusively at night. The biggest smallmouth in your favorite river moves into the shallows after dark. And the redfish on the marsh flat feed through the night on every tide. Night fishing is where trophy hunters go when they get serious — here's how to join them.
You Might Also Like
BaitfishintermediateMissouri River Clouser
$6.50Midwest & Driftless
#2 - #6
Heavy Clouser Minnow variant tied for North Dakota's Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea. Lead eyes and bucktail in chartreuse/white target walleye, smallmouth, and pike in deep, moving water.
Chartreuse/WhiteOlive/WhiteWhiteBrown/OrangeYellow/White
Walleye · Smallmouth Bass · Northern Pike
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
BaitfishbeginnerClouser Minnow (Smallmouth)
$5.95Great Lakes
#2 - #6
Bob Clouser's original design, purpose-built for Susquehanna smallmouth and equally deadly on Great Lakes bronzebacks. Lead eyes, bucktail, and flash -- the holy trinity of smallmouth bass.
Chartreuse/WhiteOlive/WhiteBrown/OrangeAll White
Smallmouth Bass · Largemouth Bass · Walleye
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
CrustaceanintermediateOzark Crayfish
$6.95Midwest & Driftless
#4 - #8
Weighted crayfish pattern with rubber legs and dumbell eyes. Imitates the crawdads that are the number-one forage for Ozark smallmouth.
Olive/OrangeBrown/OrangeRustTan
Smallmouth Bass · Largemouth Bass · Channel Catfish
SprSumFallWin
View Details →BaitfishbeginnerClouser Minnow
$5.50Southwest & California
1/0-6
Tied by Kris Bare
Bob Clouser's legendary deep-diving baitfish pattern. The heavy dumbbell eyes ride hook-point-up, making it nearly snag-proof while imitating everything from anchovies to shad.
chartreuse/whiteolive/whitetan/whiteall whitegrey/white
Striped Bass · Largemouth Bass · Smallmouth Bass · Carp
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
BaitfishintermediateMurdich Minnow
$7.95Great Lakes
#2 - #1/0
Wide-profile baitfish imitation with an epoxy head and splayed hackle tail. Pushes water and flashes on the retrieve. Deadly on predatory warm-water species throughout the Great Lakes basin.
White/ChartreuseOlive/WhiteBlack/PurpleShad
Smallmouth Bass · Northern Pike · Walleye
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
StreamerbeginnerWoolly Bugger
$4.50Midwest & Driftless
#6 - #12
The most versatile fly ever tied. Marabou tail, chenille body, palmered hackle. Imitates leeches, crayfish, minnows, and whatever else you need it to be.
BlackOliveBrownWhite
Brown Trout · Rainbow Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Largemouth Bass
SprSumFallWin
View Details →