StreamersNearnuff Sculpin

The Nearnuff Sculpin is a great choice for imitating the sculpin, a bottom-dwelling fish that is a staple in the diet of many game fish species. It's realistic shape and movement, coupled with its weight, allows it to sink quickly and stay near the bottom, right in the feeding zone of predatory fish.

Season
Year Round
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout, Bass
Nearnuff Sculpin - Image source: FlyFishFood
Image source: FlyFishFood

Overview

The Nearnuff Sculpin's design and materials give it a natural, undulating movement in the water that closely mimics a real sculpin. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors to match the local sculpin population.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout, Bass
Stillwater
Moving Water
Year Round
Imitates: Sculpin

Materials

Hook: #4-8 Tiemco 5263
Eyes: Medium Red Lead Eyes
Thread: Olive UTC 140
Tail: Grizzly Olive Soft Hackle
Flash: Pearl Krystal Flash
Body: Sculpin Olive SLF Dubbing
Rib: Brassie Copper Wire
Collar: Grizzly Olive Soft Hackle

Fishing Tips

Season

Effective year-round as sculpins are a consistent food source for many fish species.

Presentation

Cast upstream and let the fly sink to the bottom. Retrieve with short, jerky strips to imitate a frightened sculpin.

When to Use

Use when fishing deep pools or fast, rocky runs where sculpins are known to hide.

Water Type

Suitable for both stillwater and moving water scenarios.

Rigging Suggestions

Fish the Nearnuff Sculpin on a sinking line with a short, heavy leader to keep it near the bottom.

Visibility & Floatation

The Nearnuff Sculpin is designed to sink quickly and stay near the bottom. Its natural colors blend well with the river bottom, making it a convincing imitation.

Additional Videos

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