Rattlesnake Flies

by Les Albjerg
(Caldwell, Idaho)

I was inspired by the Mamushi Kebari to tie some rattlesnake flies. I am not sure if I would fish with a fly that costs almost $20.00. Thanks to some insight from Chris, I was able to tie the first one with the belly scales just like the Mamushi Kebari. We have lots of Rattlesnakes in Idaho!

The first fly is tied on a Gamakatsu Amago size 7.5 hook, grizzly hackle, and black silk thread. The second is tied on an Owner size 4 Tenkara hook, using the darker scales. They were easy to tie.

On my way home from shooting some sporting clays, I stopped by Marsing pond and caught two 12 inch planters on each style. The flies worked well, and I was the only one who caught any fish in the half-hour I fished. The Suntech GM Suikei Keiryu Special 44 is becoming my "go to" fly fishing rod.

You can find rattlesnake skin on the internet for a fairly reasonable price. According to Chris, the best part to imitate the Mamushi Kebari comes from the belly scales. Most rattlers are cut up the middle of the belly. That said, I found the second fly with the darker scales to be taken very aggressively too. I am looking forward to doing more experimenting with snakeskin flies. Has anyone else tried them?

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” - Benjamin Franklin

"Be sure in casting, that your fly fall first into the water, for if the line fall first, it scares or frightens the fish..." -
Col. Robert Venables 1662

As age slows my pace, I will become more like the heron.