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: #10-#14 Nymph
- Bead: Insta Jig Tungsten Head
- Thread: 210 ultra or 6/o Uni
- Tail: Marabou with a single strand of Flashabou on each side
- Body: 2 Ply UNI-Floss
- Legs: Mini-Centipede legs
- Dubbing: Squirrel hair blended with gray ice dub
- Collar: Tan Soft Hackle
Note: For an alternative to the hook and jig head, you can also use any ball-tungsten jig for this pattern. I just like how the insta jig heads tie and how I can customize the head size to hook ratio for different presentations and sink rates.