StreamersEgan's Poacher
Egan's Poacher is a versatile jigged streamer pattern designed by Lance Egan that effectively imitates both sculpins and leeches. This Euro-style streamer features a pine squirrel zonker strip body that provides exceptional movement and a lifelike profile in the water. The slotted tungsten jig bead ensures the fly rides hook-point-up, reducing snags while presenting an enticing undulating action that triggers predatory strikes from aggressive trout.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases Lance Egan's innovative approach to Euro-style streamer fishing. The Poacher was designed to be fished on a tight-line nymphing setup, allowing anglers to maintain direct contact with the fly while imparting subtle movements. The pine squirrel zonker strip provides undulating movement even on the slowest of drifts, while the Coq De Leon hen saddle legs add additional motion and profile. The mother of pearl belly flash catches light and attracts fish from a distance.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XC400BL, #8-12
Bead: Slotted Tungsten, black, 4mm (#10-12) or 4.5mm (#8)
Weight: Lead Wire, 0.025"
Thread: Magpie Thread, 110 denier, olive
Body: Pine Squirrel Strip, sculpin olive
Belly: Ripple Ice Dub (or Ripple Ice Fiber), mother of pearl
Head: Arizona Mega Simi Seal Dubbing, dirty olive
Legs: Whiting Coq De Leon Hen Saddle, dyed olive
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round wherever sculpins and leeches are present. Particularly productive during spring runoff and fall when larger trout become more aggressive toward baitfish.
Presentation
Fish with Euro-nymphing techniques using a tight-line approach. Allow the fly to sink to the bottom and use short, erratic strips interspersed with dead drifts. The jig hook design allows aggressive bottom contact without constant snagging.
When to Use
Select this pattern when targeting larger, more aggressive trout or when fish are keyed on sculpins and small baitfish. Excellent choice for probing deeper runs, undercut banks, and structure where big trout hold.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly deeper runs, pools, and pocket water with rocky substrate. The weighted construction and jig design excel in moderate to fast currents where sculpins and leeches naturally occur.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a Euro nymphing setup with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Can also be effective as a point fly in a traditional nymph rig or stripped on a short line in pocket water. The heavy bead provides quick sink rates for getting into the strike zone fast.
Visibility & Floatation
The dirty olive coloration provides a natural sculpin profile while the mother of pearl belly adds flash. The pattern sinks quickly and maintains an enticing attitude throughout the drift with the hook riding point-up.
