Winter Stillwater Success: The Peeping Tom Fly Pattern with Steve Cullen

When Winter arrives, many trout anglers are quick to pack away their gear and wait for the new year and the next season. There are still plenty of waters open to hardy fishermen who chase Stillwater Trout through the colder months. These fisheries are usually well stocked with Rainbow Trout, a cold water species native to North America, that feed hard even on the coldest days, they'll even rise when a winter hatch is on.

Steve shared one of his go-to Winter patterns, a proven favourite he fishes throughout the colder months: the Peeping Tom. Tied in size 12-16 with a slim Czech-inspired buggy dubbing body and UV stretch film rib and contrast collar, this is a glinting little fly that might make the difference during a sparse hatch on a cold day.

At its core, the Peeping Tom is a Shuttlecock CDC pattern, an exceptionally effective emerger style fly for targeting rising fish. When fished on the surface, the natural buoyancy of the CDC allows the fly to sit perfectly in the film, with the hook suspended just beneath the surface. This lifelike presentation closely imitates emerging insects and can be irresistible to fish feeding confidently in winter conditions.

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile Winter pattern, the Peeping Tom is well worth adding to your box.

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: Fulling Mill Short Shank Special

Thread: Uni 8/0 Thread, Orange

Dubbing: SLF Squirrel Spikey Dubbing

Ribbing: UTC Ice Blue Pearl Tinsel 

Head: Stillwater CDC Feathers

Thorax: Fulling Mill CDC Dubbing

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
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