StreamersZonker

The Zonker is a popular streamer pattern known for its lifelike movement in the water. The long, flowing rabbit strip tail gives the illusion of a baitfish or leech.

Season
Year Round
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout, Bass
Zonker - Image source: Orvis
Image source: Orvis

Overview

A streamer pattern using a zonker (rabbit) strip over a dubbed or chenille-wrapped body for extreme movement. Often includes a bead or conehead for weight. Typically tied in white, olive, or black for baitfish imitation.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout, Bass
Stillwater
Moving Water
Year Round
Imitates: Baitfish, Leech
Variant of: N/A

Materials

Hook: 3X-long streamer hook (here a Lightning Strike SN3), sizes 2-6
Weight: .020 lead-free round wire
Thread 1: 6/0 or 140 Denier, red
Body: Mylar tubing, medium, pearl
Adhesive 1: Superglue or UV Cure Resin
Back and tail: Zonker strip, white
Adhesive 2: Superglue or UV Cure Resin
Thread 2: 8/0 or 70 Denier, black
Hackle: Saddle hackle, red
Head: Black thread
Adhesive 3: Head cement or UV Cure Resin

Fishing Tips

Season

Year Round

Presentation

Strip retrieve

When to Use

When fish are feeding on baitfish or leeches

Water Type

Effective in both stillwater and moving water

Rigging Suggestions

Use with a sink tip or full sinking line for deeper water

Visibility & Floatation

This fly sinks and is highly visible due to its flashy body and flowing tail.