Description
The Sculpzilla is an articulated sculpin streamer with incredible movement in the water. Between the rabbit strips, marabou, and independently moving rear hook, this fly creates a lively profile that can be extremely effective when targeting predatory trout.
In this Sculpzilla fly tying tutorial, I'll walk you through the entire process of tying this articulated streamer, from preparing the rear hook to building the front body, adding the weighted X-Eyed Cone, and finishing the fly with realistic eyes and pectoral fins.
We're using two Risen stainless steel hooks connected with 70-pound backing. Once the fly is finished, we'll remove the bend and point from the front hook, leaving the rear hook free to move independently.
The Sculpzilla is designed to imitate a sculpin, a small bottom-dwelling fish that can be an important food source for larger trout. Its weighted cone helps the fly get down, while the articulated body and flowing materials give it plenty of movement.
How to Fish the Sculpzilla
One of my favorite ways to fish this pattern is on the swing. I'll let the fly get down into the water column, then allow the current to work the articulated tail, rabbit strips, and marabou.
You can fish the Sculpzilla in faster currents or slower pools, and it's also a great candidate for a traditional streamer retrieve.
While it's a little more involved to tie than some of the other sculpin patterns we've covered, once you get into a rhythm, it's really not too difficult. I can usually tie around 8–10 of these in an hour.
📌 Links I recommend
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Check out Veevus for some of the best fly tying threads available. When you sign up for their VIP membership using my link, you’ll get a free bobbin holder plus 10% off your entire order:
https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly
Check out my sponsor Risen Fly for high-quality hooks, beads, and some of the best fly rods I’ve ever used. Use code McFly at checkout for 15% off your first order: www.risenfly.com
Shop my custom McFly Angler fly boxes and gear here: www.amazon.com/shops/McFlyAngler
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more fly tying tutorials, and fly fishing content. 🎣
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🛠️ Materials
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Rear Hook: Risen Short Shank Stainless Hook (Size 4) - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/hooks/products/short-shank-hooks-stainless
Front Hook: Risen Long Shank Stainless Hook (Size 2) - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/hooks/products/oshaughnessy-hooks-stainless
Thread: Veevus 140 (Olive) - https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly
Articulation: Fly Line Backing - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/fly-line/products/backing-100yards-20lb-test
Tail and Back: Black-Barred Olive Rabbit Strip - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/barred-rabbit-fur-strips-1-8
Rear Body: Starburst Dubbing (Olive) - https://www.flytyersdungeon.com/Materials/Chart_StarBurst_Dubbing.htm
Front Body: Starburst Dubbing (Pearl) - https://www.flytyersdungeon.com/Materials/Chart_StarBurst_Dubbing.htm
Head: X-Eyed Cone (Medium, Black) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/x-eyed-cones
Additional Weight: .025 Lead-Free Wire - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/round-lead-free-wire
Hackle Collar: Whiting American Hackle Saddle (Orange/Black Tips) - (This saddle isn't available anymore, so use Guinnea) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/guinea-feathers
Marabou Collar: Marabou (Olive) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/marabou-strung-blood-quills
Pectoral Fins: Whiting Chickabou (Olive Grizzly) - https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/buggerbou-mini-barred-2
Eyes: 4mm Red Eyes - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/feathers/products/3d-eyes
Adhesive: Gel Super Glue - https://link.amazon/A05sXIU7d
Resin: Solarez Ultra Thin UV Resin - https://solarez.com/bone-dry-intro-kit.html
🛠️ Tools
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Dubbing Twister: https://www.jsflyfishing.com/products/dubbing-whirler?variant=43244902449381
Dubbing Clamp: https://link.amazon/B09Jqwx7w
Vise: Renzetti Traveler - https://link.amazon/B0fyOMJFw
Bobbin: Veevus Bobbin - https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly
Scissors: Risen Razor - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/fly-tying-tools-and-accessories/products/4-razor-scissors
Whip Finisher: Dr. Slick Brass - https://amzn.to/2tGYwDW
Fly Tying Bench: Oasis Walnut Compact Bench - https://www.oasisbenches.com/oasis-benches/compact-bench/
UV Light: Solarez High Output - https://solarez.com/uv-cure-flashlight-high-output.html
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