Don Gapen's Muddler Minnow is the prototype of the sculpin-imitating streamer. The spun deer hair head creates a large profile and a subtle wobble, making it one of the most versatile streamers ever tied.
1. Thread base — Attach tan thread behind the eye and build a base to the bend.
2. Tail — Tie in a matched pair of mottled turkey wing quill sections at the bend, back-to-back in a tent-wing style.
3. Body — Wrap gold tinsel from the bend to the 2/3 point in smooth, overlapping turns. Tie off.
4. Underwing — Tie in a small bunch of squirrel tail hair over the body, extending to the hook bend.
5. Wing — Tie in a matched pair of turkey wing quill sections over the squirrel tail, extending to the hook bend.
6. Head/Collar — Spin 3–4 clumps of deer body hair on the front third of the shank, packing tightly. Clip to shape: leave a collar of natural tips fanning back, and clip the front portion into a flat-topped, rounded muddler head.
7. Finish — Whip finish and apply head cement to the thread wraps.
