StreamersRusty Trombone
The Rusty Trombone is an articulated streamer that combines the movement of marabou with the flash and weight needed to get down deep and trigger aggressive strikes. This pattern features a copper tungsten conehead for weight and attraction, olive marabou tail and wing for lifelike movement, copper flashabou for flash, copper olive UV polar chenille body, and olive saddle hackle palmered through the body and as a collar. The articulated design using spider wire creates an undulating action that mimics fleeing baitfish and leeches.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Advanced
Trout, Bass
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a versatile articulated streamer built for aggressive predatory fish. The pattern name comes from its distinctive copper coloration combined with the sliding, trombone-like movement of the articulated design. The UV polar chenille provides both body bulk and flash, incorporating reflective fibers that catch light underwater. The spider wire articulation creates a hinge point between hook sections that allows the fly to move independently, producing an erratic, wounded baitfish action that triggers strikes. The tungsten conehead provides rapid sink rate while adding a metallic flash point at the head. The palmered saddle hackle creates water resistance and pulsing movement throughout the body.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 5262, #4
Thread: Magpie Thread 110D, olive
Head: Tungsten Conehead (large), copper
Tail: Marabou, olive
Flash: Flashabou, copper
Body: UV Polar Chenille, copper olive
Hackle: Saddle Hackle (strung), olive
Connection: Spider Wire
Wing: Marabou, olive
Collar: Saddle Hackle (strung), olive
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round but particularly productive in spring and fall when trout are actively feeding on baitfish. Also excellent in winter when fish want slower-moving, deep presentations.
Presentation
Fish with aggressive strips and pauses to activate the articulated action. The fly swims best with varied strip speeds - fast strips to trigger reaction strikes, then pauses to let the marabou breathe and the fly sink.
When to Use
Select this pattern when targeting aggressive trout, bass, or other predatory fish. Particularly effective when fish are keyed on larger prey items or when you need to cover water quickly to locate active fish.
Water Type
Versatile pattern for both moving water and stillwater. Works well in deeper pools, runs, and lake drop-offs where baitfish congregate. The weighted design helps reach fish holding in deeper water.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader with 1X-2X tippet or heavier if targeting bass. Use a sink-tip or full-sinking line to reach deeper water. The articulated design can cause line twist, so consider using a small swivel in your leader.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a fast-sinking pattern designed to get down quickly and stay in the strike zone. The copper and olive coloration works well in a variety of water conditions, from clear to moderately stained.
