Nick’s Hothead Flash Minkie – A Proven Fry Pattern for Autumn Trout

As trout in reservoirs and lochs turn their attention to fry in the autumn, patterns that imitate small fish come into their own. GAC staff member Nick has shared one of his favourite flies for this time of year – the Hothead Flash Minkie. Designed to tempt fry-feeding trout, this versatile pattern is deadly in the right conditions and straightforward to tie.

Materials List

• Hook: Kamasan B175 (sizes 6–10) or similar heavy wet fly hook.
  Options: Kamasan B175, Partridge Wet Heavy Supreme, Fulling Mill Competition Heavyweight, Ahrex Wet Fly Hook
• Hot Head Bead: Fluorescent bead in orange or red.
  Options: Stillwater Hot Beads, Stillwater Hot Heads, Veniard Brass Beads
• Thread: Fire Orange Uni Thread 8/0 – Shop Uni Thread
• Tail: Hot Orange Marabou on the Perch version and Red/Crimson Marabou on the Roach version. Add 2 strands of Opal Mirage Accent each side of the tail.
  Options: Veniard Large Marabou, Flybox Premium Marabou, Mirage Accent, Micro Flash, Flashabou Accent
• Body: First tie in a short mink strip at the tail, skin side up – Grey for the Roach version and Olive for the Perch. The body is made with Flashabou Ice Blue dubbing. On the Perch version, add Large Mirage Tinsel on each side and rib with black wire. On the Roach version, use silver holographic tinsel and rib with silver wire. Brush out dubbing to form a belly, then pull the mink strip over and tie in behind the bead, catching some extra fur for durability. Secure with at least 5 or 6 turns.
  Options: Wapsi Micro Mink, Veniard Mink Zonkers, Rabbit Zonkers, Pine Squirrel Strips, Flashabou Dubbing, Uni Soft Copper Wire, Veniard Copper Wire, Mirage Tinsel, Holographic Tinsel
• Collar: A hotspot of red or orange dubbing (e.g. Veniard Glister or similar). Use enough to brush out and veil the body, giving the fly added attraction when wet.
  Options: Veniard Glister, Flashabou Dubbing, Hends Spectra Dubbing

Tying Notes

Start by tying in the marabou tail with Mirage Accent. Add the mink strip skin side up at the tail, then dub the body with Flashabou Ice Blue. Rib with wire, brushing out the dubbing to create a belly effect.

Pull the mink strip over the body and secure behind the bead. Add a collar of Glister dubbing for a hotspot that veils the body and adds movement when wet. Finally, use a black marker to add a pupil to the hothead bead, sealing with varnish once dry for durability.

Fishing the Hothead Flash Minkie

This pattern works best during autumn when trout are chasing fry in open water. Fish it on intermediate or sinking lines with a steady retrieve, or use it as part of a team of flies to draw aggressive takes from feeding trout.

Try tying a few variations in different sizes and colours to match local prey and conditions. The Roach and Perch versions are particularly effective when trout are locked onto specific fry shoals.

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Ready to tie your own? Find all the materials listed above at Fishing Megastore, or visit us in-store at the Autumn Open Weekend for demos, advice, and special offers.