Estaz Spawn

I invented Estaz Spawn several years ago for steelhead.  Estaz Spawn is tied just like Sucker Spawn except Estaz is used instead of angora or diamond braid.  Estaz is one of my favorite materials for steelhead as it is easy to tie with, bright, and comes in many colors.  Estaz Spawn is my go to fly pattern during all water conditions in steelhead alley.  Pink is the most effective all year long, while Orange works well during low water in the early fall, and Chartreuse produces best in spring.  Were legal (Effective 10/1/12: Multiply flies may now be used on Lake Erie tributaries) I will fish a tandem rig of two different colored Estaz Spawns.  If one color is out producing the other (usually Pink) I will switch to two of the same color.

Hook: Daiichi 1120 or MFC 7045 Size 12
Thread: 6/0 color to match estaz
Body: Estaz
Colors: Pink, Chartreuse, Orange, Red, Blue

STEP 1: Select a Daiichi 1120 Size 12 and place it in your vice.  Attach your thread and wrap back to the tie in point (Picture 1A).  Tie in a length of estaz (Picture 1B).

Picture 1A

Picture 1B

STEP 2: To make the body make 4 small loops, one in front of each. I call this the "sucker spawn method". To make the loops, advance your thread by 2 wraps, bring the estaz forward and tie off (Picture 2A).  Repeat this to form 3 more loops (Picture 2B)

Picture 2A

Picture 2B

STEP 3: Once finished whip finish and trim off your thread.  With practice this fly should take you 1-2 minutes to complete.  It is a simple, effective fly for steelhead and fall/winter trout. 

Finished Estaz Spawn

 Chartreuse Estaz Spawn

From Right to Left: Pink, Chartreuse, Orange, and Blue Estaz Spawn

A fat inland Brown Trout from a local stream.