Booby Mop Fly

The Booby Mop, created by Umpqua signature tyer Mike Sexton, combines creativity and effectiveness in a pattern that originated on the legendary beaches of Pyramid Lake. Initially tied as a humorous experiment, this unconventional fly quickly proved its worth, drawing aggressive strikes from Pyramid Lake's giant Lahontan cutthroat trout. Its unique mop material and buoyant booby eyes create an irresistible combination of movement and flotation, making it perfect for Stillwater environments. Whether retrieved slowly or stripped aggressively, the Booby Mop’s playful action and profile trigger powerful reactions from big fish. It's a must-try for any angler looking to explore unconventional yet highly effective fly designs.

Fish the Booby Mop on a sinking or intermediate line to maximize its effectiveness in Stillwater. Use a "washing line" setup, with the Booby Mop as the point fly and a couple of smaller nymphs or chironomids on droppers. This setup keeps the Mop buoyant and dancing just above the bottom, imitating an easy meal. Retrieve it with slow, steady pulls or short, erratic strips to activate its lifelike movement. This fly excels when fish are cruising or feeding near the bottom, so adjust your leader length to keep it in the strike zone. Keep a firm grip—big cutthroat strikes are no joke!