Featured Clouser Minnow Flies
- Chartreuse Clouser Minnow, Size 8 (Qty 6): Bright chartreuse profile, lighter sink rate, best in clear shallow water, ideal for trout, panfish, and small bass.
- Red Clouser Minnow, Size 1/0 (Qty 3): Bold red profile, fast sink rate, best in stained or off-color water, ideal for largemouth bass and striped bass.
- Purple and White Heavy Clouser Deep Diving Minnow, Size 1/0 (Qty 3): High-contrast purple and white, heavy sink rate, best around deep structure, ideal for pike and large predators.
- Brown and Tan Light Clouser Deep Diving Minnow, Size 8 (Qty 6): Natural sculpin coloring, lighter sink rate for mid-depth fishing, best in clear freshwater runs, ideal for suspended trout.
- White Sea Trout Heavy Clouser Deep Diving Minnow, Size 2 (Qty 3): Clean white profile, heavy sink rate, best on shallow saltwater flats and tidal creeks, ideal for sea trout and redfish.
What Is a Clouser Minnow Fly?
Bob Clouser designed the original Clouser Minnow in 1987 on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. He tied weighted dumbbell eyes (small, hourglass-shaped weights made of lead or brass) onto the hook shank so the fly would ride hook-point-up. That design keeps the hook clear of rocks and wood on the bottom, making the Clouser far more snag-resistant than most streamer patterns.
The hook-point-up angle also makes the fly look exactly like a baitfish moving through the water. The weighted eyes create a jigging motion on the retrieve, where stripping (pulling in line) causes the fly to dart, then drop on the pause. Most strikes happen on that drop. Fly fishing legend Lefty Kreh claimed to have caught over 87 species on the Clouser Minnow and called it the one fly he would choose above all others anywhere in the world.
Light vs Heavy Clouser Minnows
Eye weight controls sink rate, depth, and which species you can target effectively. Light Clouser Minnows carry smaller dumbbell eyes and hold at mid-depth, making them the right pick for trout in shallow freshwater runs and clear water. Heavy Clousers carry larger eyes and drop fast to the bottom. Use them for bass and pike holding near structure, and for saltwater species like redfish and sea trout feeding on the bottom in tidal water.
Clouser Minnow Fly Tying Kits
Wild Water offers tying material kits for the Chartreuse Clouser Minnow Size 1/0 and the Red Clouser Minnow. Both include all materials needed and pair well with our Red Clouser Minnow tying video on YouTube. Tying your own lets you adjust hook size, eye weight, and color to match your water and target species.
Why Choose Wild Water Fly Fishing
Wild Water has been getting families on the water since 2006. Every fly is hand-inspected and ready to fish straight out of the package. No guessing about quality.
All orders ship same business day when placed before noon EST. Standard shipping is always free with no minimum required. Expedited options are available at checkout. Returns accepted within 30 days.
Questions? Call 585-967-3474 or email info@wildwaterflyfishing.com. We are here Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm EST.