The Willie Gun

The Willie Gunn salmon fly, originating in the 1940s on the Brora River in Scotland, is a classic pattern that has become a staple in salmon fishing worldwide. The first versions of this fly were created by Jim MacKenzie’s uncle, who crafted early iterations that laid the foundation for the modern Willie Gunn. Jim MacKenzie then refined the pattern, dressing it with a blended wing of orange, yellow, and black, and adding a silver rib for durability and flash. The Willie Gunn's striking color combination and versatility have made it a favorite among anglers targeting salmon in both rivers and estuaries. The fly is particularly effective in cold and clear waters, where its vivid colors stand out and attract salmon in search of prey.

Perfect for Murky Waters: The Willie Gunn is especially effective in slightly murky or off-colored waters where the contrast of its orange, yellow, and black colors helps it stand out. In such conditions, the fly’s visibility and the flash from the silver ribbing draw attention from salmon looking for prey.