Bob Clouser Tying His Famous Minnow Pattern

Legendary fly tyer Bob Clouser invented the Deep Minnow in the mid-1980s, and found the sparse fly was incredibly effective for smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna River, his home waters. The Clouser Deep Minnow is simple and easily customized. Today, fly-fishing anglers tie the Clouser Minnow, and variations of it, on a variety of hook sizes and types, depending on the target species and type of water. The belly and back are tied with various color combinations of bucktail accented by a length of flash. Lead, brass or tungsten eyes provide the weight to animate the fly and get it down in the water column, where it behaves much like a conventional jig. A popular version is the Half-and-Half, wich shares elements of the Deep Minnow and Lefty's Deceiver, created by Bob Clouser's longtime friend, Lefty Kreh.

In this video, the inventor of the Clouser Deep Minnow shows you how he ties the fly that has caught fish all over the world.

[JamesGoldsmith-fe]

I lived about 15 miles from Bob’s home and shop (connected) in Royalton, a suburb of Middletown, PA. I was gifted a fly rod and visited the shop for supplies but more so, for advice. When I confessed as a raw beginner to fouling a leader on every outing, he gave me a free casting lesson in his side yard (paint the horizon) and his leader formula; I bought the leader material. It was on such a sojourn that he told me about his tying classes. I was still working on the cast but signed up to tie.
I took the beginners class. Once a weeknight that winter I followed Bob’s moves and listened to banter and what I know to be priceless fly fishing lore involving Lefty, Jose, Popovics, Bob himself and others. I took the advanced class the following year and again the next two winters! I picked up a few Clouserisms: “A goodly amount” and “hell, those fish don’t care what color…”
I get a bit teary thinking of it now, but I particularly miss the visits from Michael, Bob’s son, into the classroom. Michael had Down syndrome and was a big boy. His biggest features were his smile and heart. He’d hug his Bob and pat him on his balding head and brag, “That’s my pap.” He’d shake hands and more than once, he’d pat my balding head and compare it to his Pap’s. Sadly Michael passed some years ago.
Well, sorry to go on but it’s cathartic for me, an old fisher and tier.

[CharlieLevine]

Very cool to see Bob Clouser tying his fly and giving all those pointers.

[kgilliagorilla]

Bob’s Clouser is responsible for me catching many big smallmouth through the years. Thanks Mr. Clouser !

[canadiangemstones]

I love that this is preserved on video for posterity, thanks!

[backdraft]

This is one of the best instructional videos I've watch. Having it demonstrated by Bob is an honor. His Clouser helped me catch my first Oio (bonefish) here in Hawaii.

[oldsmugglerflyfishing]

I really like this video where the creator of a famous pattern ties his own fly and explanes all.

[mikeobryant]

This is a very special video. I am very thankful for the posting of this tutorial...from an absolute LEGEND!

[pointsouth]

One of my favorite patterns. My favorite fly for Chinook Salmon in Chile. Deep finder, easy to tie, cheap and so effective. Thanks to Bob for that one. 😁

[frankbutta]

I tie and use these Minnows extensively. Thanks Bob!

[RollinRollinReelin]

Hello sir! Ive never seen a clouser video explained so clearly!

[robertt.eckjr.]

Bob is a Class act, His skills are truly great and my father who passed in 2023 Loved visiting his family in Royalton, PA, I loved buying rods and supplies from him and I loved his support for me all the years, Heading back to PA this year to do some wild trout flyfishing, He now resides in Florida giving instructions still for all those that want to learn off a Master!!

[JABERNATHY]

Just rewatched. Thank you again sir 🙏🙏
A true Legend

[martinlara]

Thank you Mr Bob Clouser for a timless classic, and a true legend at the vise .videos like this are an absolute treasure thank you

[CBL]

That was an exceptionally instrumental video by the Man! Thank you for the video. Immediate sub.

[jamesvatter]

Watching a tying tutorial featuring the pattern's original creator. Great stuff! Can't get any better than that.
Would love to see one of these with Bob tying his Crippled Minnow.

[mariusrousseau]

Arguably the best fly pattern ever invented.

[krazygoofadventures]

Bob's a great guy and his deep miniw is one of my favorite flies.

[aaroncowan]

What an amazing teacher. I learned a lot from this. Thank you!

[glennsands]

Thank you Bob for sharing and giving us so many great flies!

[keithr]

Happy to see this in my feed today. Thanks Bob. Tied with you at Bears Den in Mass some years ago. Great Instruction as ever.