How to tie the Purple Burgler with Steve Cullen

There’s always a story behind the patterns Steve features, and this one carries a particularly memorable history: one that stretches back nearly two decades to his days as a magazine editor.

During a visit to Lake Vyrnwy in Wales, Steve was boarding boats with fellow anglers, ready to begin a day’s fishing, when he was recognised by one of the older local hands. What followed was a quiet moment of shared knowledge: the angler passed on a particular fly pattern that had served him exceptionally well over the years. To this day, Steve maintains that this very pattern went on to catch the most fish that day.

Interestingly, the fly itself never really had a formal name. In its original form, it was a Sea Trout fly, later adapted for Brown Trout fishing. Steve is quick to point out that Welsh anglers have an outstanding arsenal of Sea Trout patterns, so it’s no surprise that some of these proven designs have been reworked to suit reservoir and lake conditions.

That adaptability is part of what makes this pattern so special. While it excels as a Trout fly, it can just as easily be tied back to its original Sea Trout concept, making it a versatile option for anglers who enjoy casting both in estuaries and on reservoirs.

All materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Centre or Edinburgh Angling Centre and are listed below. As always, if you need any help finding materials or substitutes, we'll be happy to help.

Materials Used:

Hook: Kamasan B175 Trout Heavy Traditional

Thread: Uni 8/0 Thread, Black

Dubbing: Veniard Seals Fur

Ribbing: Uni 2-Tone Mylar & Uni French Oval Tinsel, Gold

Body Hackle: Stillwater Indian Capes, Black

Pre-Hackle: SHOR Schlappen, Purple

Hackle: Whiting American Hen, Black

Need all these materials? View all of the mentioned materials here!

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Check out Steve's Youtube Channel Here https://www.youtube.com/@stevecullenflyfishingflyty7729