“Good” ice is just about widespread in Minnesota now, which just gets me excited to get out after some early-ice fish. With the new season, I have a few new patterns that are fast becoming staples in my box. These couple patterns give me more options and fill some of the gaps. So here they are!
#1. The Tungsten Hybrid
What happens when you cross a heavy tungsten jig and an ice fly? Can the best parts of each be combined to complement the other’s fish catching ability? These were the questions that led to the creation of this pattern. And before I knew it, this fly-jig hybrid was born. This pattern utilizes both the fast-sinking, heavy nature of tungsten and the subtle, trigger-rich nature of ice flies. The ultra-heavy tungsten allows it to sink fast and “bounce bottom” to stir up the mud, while the subtlety entices even the wariest of fish. My favorite color for this pattern is orange, but that’s not to say that other colors don’t catch fish. It’s just a personal preference. This jig is a simple pattern, but it is deadly under the ice for not only panfish but also trout.
Hook: Tungsten jig around a size 10.
Thread: 6/o uni thread. Any color of thread will work, but I try to match my thread to the color of the jig, in the one pictured I used orange.
Tail: Tan marabou with a strand of flash on each side.
Body: I used a thread body on this pattern, but I have also used dubbing.
Legs: Standard rubber legs, in any color.
Collar: Soft hackle or wrapped marabou.
If you don’t tie, you can also grab a few of these in our shop.
#2. Blood Worm Slab Spike
Ok, so technically this isn’t a new pattern; however, it is a new color! I have been trying to find a pattern that will mimic bloodworms, which are a staple in the winter diet of panfish, and then this idea came to me: tie a Slab Spike, a proven pattern, in red. This pattern gives me a subtle presentation in a color that mimics a staple food source for winter panfish. So here it is the Bloodworm Slab Spike:
Hook: #14 nymph or dry fly. I will this pattern up to a size 8, however, bloodworms are smaller, so I prefer a smaller size for this color variant.
Bead: standard or tungsten
Thread: Black or red 8/o uni thread.
Tail: Tan marabou with a strand of red flashabou on each side.
Body: Red micro tubing.
Legs: Small rubber legs in any color, but I like white or brown on this color.
Thorax: Squirrel or hare’s ear blended with red ice dubbing, and wrapped over the legs.
Also, you can get a few of these flies here.
These patterns are two newfound additions to my box that I will be keeping on hand whenever I go out. Hopefully, you will find them as successful as I have for landing both finicky and aggressive fish through the ice!
Tight Lines and Good Luck!
Noah
Don’t tie, yet still, want quality, custom ice flies? Check out our shop where you can find multiple, fish-catching ice fly and jig patterns.
