After many years of experimentation Dave Whitlock created this pattern with certain characteristics that the large freshwater game fish (Pike, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass & others) cannot resist. First and foremost, this deep sheep pattern incorporates lead barbell eyes to allow the fly to dive down deep to the bottom where big fish feed and spend most of their time hiding. In the middle of everything this fly has an up-riding hook to avoid potential hang-ups as it skips over rocks, sunken branches or aquatic vegetation. The body materials of this fly produce a very life-like imitation to actual colors of real fish while providing enough buoyancy to easily swim the fly as if it were a wounded or fleeing baitfish.

To fish this fly in your favorite still-waters no special tackle or techniques are required. Your standard 9 ft 5 wt rod will suffice. The depth of the structure you plan to fish will determine if you need to use a floating or sinking line. With the deep sheep minnow, cast towards your potential fish holding target and when the fly lands on the water let it sink to the bottom. Using a straight line technique of retrieval and a few shorts strips of line accompanied with intermittent pauses the fly will dance along the bottom structure enticing fish to bite. With this straight line retrieval it will not be hard to detect bites, but hang on tight because when the big boys come out to play. You will be in for quite a fight.

Tie this fly in sizes 2-6.