Muddlers
Muddlers are flies that are fished high in the water, as the head of the muddler is tied with deer hair, which is very airy. Most muddler flies belong to the streamer fly group, although there are exceptions.
The muddler is effective because it attracts fish with other means than just its appearance. The muddler's large head pushes a lot of water aside when it is pulled through the water, and these pressure waves can be felt by the fish, allowing them to bite your muddler even if they cannot see the fly in the dark water.
Muddlers are mostly made from deer hair that has been cut into shape, but hair from arctic fox and sheep wool can also be used. Deer hair is used because it is very airy, which is why the fly has good buoyancy. Muddler flies tied with deer hair have a built-in buoyancy due to the airy hair.
A muddler tied with deer hair will automatically go high in the water, creating turbulence on the surface or perhaps forming a bulge in the water. This can be an advantage when fishing at night.
If you are brave enough to undertake the difficult discipline of tying your own muddler flies, it is important to find the right tying thread. We recommend a strong flat thread that will not easily cut through the deer hairs when tightened.
