How to Tie the Murdich Minnow Fly

Feb 07, 2023 · 2 min read

Learn how to tie the Murdich Minnow fly pattern, including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly-tying skills here.

Bill Murdich originally tied the Murdich Minnow as a striper fly, but any predatory fish chasing minnows will eat this. A great fly for smallmouth bass fished just below the water surface.

Material List

We've put together a kit that contains all the materials you need to tie this exact fly pattern.

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Hook: TMC 5263 Size 6
Thread: Veevus GSP 100 in White
Tail: Hairline Bucktail in White
Flash: Hedron Flashabou in Pearl
Hedron Flashabou in Silver
Body: EP fibers in White
Spirit River Medium Estaz in Pearl
Eyes: Fish Skull Living Eyes in Ice size 7
Color: Copic Marker in Gray

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Step One

Gold hook clamped in vise with white-threaded Murdich Minnow shank and clear fly-tying thread from pink bobbin

Begin the pattern by running the thread below the hook eye to the bend to establish a base.

Step Two

Murdich Minnow fly with white synthetic tail on gold hook in vise, thin white thread and pink bobbin tip — fly tying

The first ingredient is white bucktail, which helps support Flashabou on the tail. Secure a small clump near the bend with roughly a shank’s length of hair extending rearward, then clip the forward-facing fibers.

Step Three

White-threaded Murdich Minnow fly with turquoise and pink synthetic flash on gold hook held in vise, fly tying detail

Next, tie around a dozen pearl Flashabou strands at the center of the material on the bend and over the bucktail, then fold the forward-facing stands rearward and secure them. Be sure the Flashabou runs slightly longer than the tail.

Step Four

Murdich Minnow fly in vise for fly tying with white, pink and iridescent tinsel fibers and long clear monofilament tail

Repeat the previous step with silver Flashabou over the pearl.

Step Five

White Murdich Minnow fly tied in vise with fluffy synthetic white body, iridescent flash tail and gold hook, fly tying

We’re now moving on to EP Fibers for the side skirt. Secure two small clumps on either side of the shank, running parallel to the tail, then clip the forward-facing fibers.

Step Six

White Murdich Minnow fly with fluffy synthetic fibers and silver tinsel tail clamped in vise, gold hook eye, fly tying

Returning to the silver Flashabou, tie another dozen or so strands in front of the previous tide-on materials. The Flashabou should run around the same length as the skirt.

Step Seven

Fly tying a white Murdich Minnow on a vise with wispy synthetic fibers, silver thread and gold hook

The Murdich Minnow’s body consists of Estaz. Remove the fibers from the tip, then tie on in front of the Flashabou.

Step Eight

Hand tying a white iridescent Murdich Minnow fly in a vise, sparkly tinsel body and soft marabou tail for fly fishing

Advance the Estaz’s tag-end up the shank with overlapping turns to the hook eye, then reverse down the shank to fill the body.

Step Nine

Murdich Minnow fly with white marabou tail and iridescent tinsel dubbing on hook held in a vise

The tying process is over after completing a whip finish.

Step Ten

Hands holding purple iridescent Murdich Minnow fly with silver tinsel flash as a pen tip refines fibers for fly tying

Color the top of the Murdich Minnow with the grey Copic marker.

Step Eleven

Murdich Minnow fly with white marabou tail, iridescent tinsel body and copper eye clamped in vise for fly tying

After adding the eyes and hitting them with glue, the Murdich Minnow is ready to crush bass of all stripes and spots.

Written by

Stephen D' Angelo

Stephen D'Angelo is a fly fishing expert with a passion for fly tying, gear, and time on the water. From small-stream trout to saltwater flats fishing, Stephen brings hands-on experience across a wide range of species and scenarios — and he's always happy to help you find the right setup for your next adventure.

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