Clouser Deep Minnow
Clouser Deep Minnow
The Clouser Deep Minnow is a classic artificial fly used as a streamer, fished under the water to imitate baitfish. It’s popular in both freshwater and saltwater and is considered a must-have pattern for bass and flats fishing.
History in brief: It was created in 1987 by Bob Clouser, a Pennsylvania fly shop owner and guide, for smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna River. The name “Clouser Deep Minnow” was coined by Lefty Kreh in a 1989 Fly Fisherman article. Lefty has credited the pattern with catching many species of game fish.
Design notes: The fly imitates a baitfish and comes in many colors and materials. The original version used bucktail and krystal flash, but today there are countless variations made with synthetic fibers and different color combinations.
Construction basics: Typical patterns are tied on hooks around 1/0 to 10 in size. The wing is bucktail, with a white underwing and brown, gray, or chartreuse overwing plus flash. The head is formed with thread and often reinforced with a bead. Dumbbell eyes (lead, brass, or tungsten) are painted red or chartreuse for weight and visibility. The body isn’t a separate material—the wing and flash create the shape and movement. Originally tied on a number 2 saltwater hook with white belly bucktail and gold krystal flash on natural brown, or white belly with silver krystal flash on gray bucktail.
Uses: It’s used as a baitfish imitation for many freshwater and saltwater species.
Notes: The Clouser Deep Minnow has inspired many variations and remains widely used in fishing for a variety of game fish.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 10:55 (CET).