Blanton Flashtail Whistler For Pike and Muskie
The Blanton flash tail whistler fly was designed by Dan Blanton. It is truly an all-around great fly for all types of saltwater and freshwater gamefish. It is perhaps best known by anglers for its effectiveness when fly fishing for pike and muskie.
Dan named the fly The Whistler because of the whistling noise it makes on your cast if the fly cuts through the air just right.
You can fish the fishtail whistler weighted and non-weighted with great success.
Learn more about the basics of fly fishing.
Whistler Fly – List Of Materials
- Hook – Mustad Streamer #8 and up, salt sizes 2 to 3/0. Mustard Streamers are strong with a sharp hook point.
- Thread -3/0 color black
- Eyes – large silver bead chain, sized to match hook: 5/32″ and 1/8″ beads work well for #8 hooks.
- Weighted – Optional, medium weight. Lead wire. Be sure to count your wraps so that you can recreate your best-performing flies.
- Tail – Black bucktail with strands of crystal flash topping and grizzly saddle hackle fly tying feathers flanked on both sides
- Body – Crystal Estaz
- Collar – Grizzly saddle hackle and red chenille Collar
Tying Instructions: How do you tie a whistle fly?
- Wrap thread to the rear of the hook.
- Optional weight, add several wraps of wire.
- Tie in a large bunch of white bucktails.
- Add a few strands of Crystal flash – up to 25 strands of silver and pearl flash6 inched in length.
- Over the top of the white bucktail add a grizzle saddle hackle on each side.
- Feathers curving in and the tips even.
- Secure really well by covering all the material and wire.
- Wrap thread to the eye of hook tie in a set of bead chain eyes with figure-eight wraps.
- If needed, add a drop of Zap A Gap to insure the eyes are secure and don’t walk around the hook.
- Tie in red Crystal Estaz at the base of the tail and wrap halfway up a hook and secure.
- Select a grizzle saddle hackle, strip off the fluff and tie in the hackle in front of the Estaz.
- Wrap hackle up the hook toward the eyes.
- Tie off and secure the hackle right behind the eyes.
- Bring the thread over the bead eyes and build a small neat head.
- Tie off and coat the thread with head cement.Note: If you need more weight you can substitute the bead chain eyes with lead barbell eyes, or add weight to the hook before tying.
How to Fish A Blanton Flashtail Whistler?
The Blanton Flashtail Whistler is a versatile and effective fly that can be fished in a variety of ways to entice a range of predatory fish. Whether you’re targeting freshwater species or venturing into the salt, this pattern is a proven performer.
Freshwater Techniques
In river and stream settings, approach the Blanton Flashtail Whistler as you would a traditional streamer or wooly bugger. An upward, across-stream cast followed by a series of retrieves can be incredibly effective. The figure-eight and strip retrieves mimic the erratic movement of a wounded baitfish, triggering an instinctual response from predators like bass. Don’t overlook the simplicity of the swing technique either; allowing the current to carry the fly in a natural arc can result in a strike from an unsuspecting fish.
Stillwater Strategies
Lakes and ponds require a slightly different approach. Here, the key is depth control. After casting, allow the Whistler to sink to the desired depth before beginning your retrieve. Experiment with both slow and fast strips to find the rhythm that the fish are responding to on any given day. The fly’s movement through the water can be irresistible to both Large and Smallmouth Bass, often resulting in aggressive takes.
Big Game Pursuits
For those seeking larger quarry, such as Pike in Canada’s vast waters, upsizing the hook and perhaps the overall fly can turn the Blanton Flashtail Whistler into a formidable big-game fly. The same pattern, when tied on larger saltwater hooks, has also been known to attract Striped Bass, Bluefish, and even Barracuda in coastal waters. The key is to ensure that your gear is up to the task, as these species will test every component from the hook to the tippet.
Saltwater Adventures
When you transition to saltwater environments, let the fly sink to the level where the fish are feeding or cruising. In the case of species like Blues and Barracuda, a faster retrieve can often be more effective, as it taps into their aggressive nature and love for the chase. The flash and vibration of the Whistler are magnified in the salt, making it an even more enticing target.
Best Whistler Fly Colors
While red and yellow are time-tested favorites, don’t hesitate to get creative with your color choices. The materials for the Blanton Flashtail Whistler come in a wide spectrum, and sometimes the most unusual combinations can be the most productive, especially in waters where fish have seen every standard pattern. Consider the local baitfish or prevalent forage and try to match your fly accordingly. Sometimes, a slight variation in shade or a contrasting color can make all the difference.
Remember, the key to success is often found in the subtleties of how you present the fly. So keep experimenting, and of course, tight lines!
