Wet FlyintermediatePacific Northwest
Hobo Spey
$8.95
Available Sizes#1/0 - #4
Color Variations
Black/PurpleOlive/BlackBlue/BlackOrange/Black
Aaron Reimer named this the Hobo Spey because it looks like it was tied by someone who found materials in a dumpster and made art. Schlappen, marabou, and a shaggy dubbing loop collar create a fly that is deliberately unkempt, profoundly alive in the water, and absolutely deadly on steelhead. In an era of Instagram-worthy fly tying, the Hobo Spey is a refreshing middle finger to perfectionism. It does not need to be pretty. It needs to be effective. And it is, with a reliability that makes more polished patterns jealous.
Quick Facts
TypeWet Fly
Difficultyintermediate
SeasonsFall, Winter
Target SpeciesSteelhead
Sizes#1/0 - #4
Best LocationsSkagit River, WA; Hoh River, WA; Sandy River, OR
Where to Fish It
Skagit River
WA · Spey River
Hoh River
WA · Coastal Stream
Sandy River
OR · Coastal Stream
Map unavailable. Locations for Hobo Spey: Skagit River, WA; Hoh River, WA; Sandy River, OR
Related Reading
region guide
Pacific Northwest Steelhead: The Complete Guide
Steelhead are the fish of a thousand casts. In the Pacific Northwest's rainforest rivers, anglers swing intricately tied flies through emerald runs for the chance at one explosive take from a chrome-bright sea-run rainbow. This is the complete guide to the pursuit.
species science
Chrome and Current: The Science of Steelhead
Steelhead are rainbow trout that went to sea and came back transformed — chrome-bright, ocean-strong, and wired with a grab reflex that makes them eat flies they have no biological reason to eat. Understanding the science behind the chrome changes how you fish for them.
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