StreamersPMS (Purple Mini Streamer)
The PMS (Purple Mini Streamer) is a streamer pattern designed by Marshall Porterfield. This effective pattern combines traditional materials with proven techniques for consistent results in a variety of water conditions.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
Marshall Porterfield's compact streamer utilizes purple marabou to create an irresistible pulsing action that mimics distressed baitfish. The short profile and weighted head allow for jigging retrieves in tight spaces. Purple coloration stands out in stained water while remaining subtle enough for clear conditions. The simple design ties quickly and is ideal for prospecting pockets, undercuts, and structure where larger streamers won't fit.
Materials
Hook: Kamasan B175 #14
Thread: Benecchi 12/0, grey
Tail: Hen 'fluey' hackle barbs, mottled
Body: Narrow purple ribbon from produce bag, wrapped flat
Rib: Narrow purple ribbon from produce bag, corded
Underwing: Hen 'fluey' hackle barbs, mottled
Wing/head: Deer hair
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Small baitfish break from schools to investigate food or flee predators in panicked darts. Their flashes trigger aggressive responses because they signal vulnerable, isolated prey.
Where Trout Eat It: Deep runs, undercut banks, pocket water, pool tailouts in rivers. Drop-offs, weed edges, channels in lake.
How to Fish It: Varied retrieve with short strips, long pulls, and pauses because erratic movement imitates panicked baitfish. Cast across current with intermittent strips. In lake, erratic retrieve with direction changes or vertical jigging.
Best Water: Deep runs, undercut banks, pocket water, pool tailouts, drop-offs, weed edges, channels, structure including boulders, logs, shelves.
Strike Type: Jarring grab when fish commits, line goes tight suddenly. Strip-set firmly to drive hook home.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: 7-9ft 2X-3X leader. Add split shot 12-18 inches above for depth in rivers. Sinking tip line in lake for controlled depth. Fluorocarbon sinks faster.
Seasonal Timing: Exceptional spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when trout feed aggressively. Best during low-light at dawn and dusk. Effective in 45-65°F because baitfish are more active.
Pro Tips: Purple provides high contrast in low-light and off-colored water, visible to hunting predators. Small profile punches above weight when trout target juvenile fish.
Entomology
Small baitfish travel in tight schools for protection, frequently breaking formation to investigate food sources or flee from larger predators in quick, panicked darts. Their lateral movements and reflective scales create flashes of light that draw attention from hungry game fish. Predatory fish key on these vulnerable forage fish because they provide substantial nutrition in a single strike, and injured or separated individuals become easy targets that trigger aggressive feeding responses.
- Organism Type
- baitfish
- Life Stage
- general