#220 - Red Fin Shiner

Tied by: Jim Warner
Originated by: Jim Warner
Source: Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon; Dick Stewart & Bob Leeman 1982 pg.39

Hook: Mustad 94720 #4
Thread: Black 6/0
Tag: Flat silver tinsel
Tail: Orange marabou (tied under shank)
Body: Flat silver tinsel
Throat: Orange marabou
Underwing: Peacock herl and white bucktail
Wing: 2 grey dun hackles flanked by olive hackle
Shoulder: Wood duck flank
Eye: Jungle cock
Head: Black

Notes: Jim created the Red Fin Shiner in 1958. Every spring, Jim would trap or net red fin shiners in brooks and tributaries around the lake to sell as bait in his shop. The males produced bright orange fins during the spawn and they would usually flock the headwaters of tributaries to move in on the spawning
female shiners for fertilization. Unfortunately the male red fins were very fragile and could not be kept well after netting. Jim created this pattern in response and sold it well long after the natural bait had died off in the tanks.