If there’s one fly pattern that’s taken the UK’s fishing world by storm this season, it’s this deceptively simple minnow jig pattern designed and tied by Huddersfield’s Martin Smith.

Martin’s Minnow has already notched up impressive scorelines as far afield as Scotland and the Derbyshire Dove (and a starring role in an article by Glen Pointon in Total Flyfisher) but it was on south Yorkshire’s urban rivers that this pattern was designed and tested.

Tied with 3 shades of Funky Fibre and angelina on heavy Knapek jig hooks for plenty of lifelike movement, Martin’s Minnows have already caught rainbows, pike, perch and chub as well as lots of wild browns for their creator. There’s a full step-by-step here on the Fly Forums, and Martin may even tie you up a few for a reasonable price if you ask him nicely…

“I’ve got urban trout less than two minutes from my house”, he tells us, “lots of small fish with the odd 12 incher, and it doesn’t get more urban than running under a Morrison’s car park. Just fish these Minnows between the bollards and car bonnets, and job’s a good ‘un!”

Thanks Martin… we will!

Update: Martin has now created a video showing how he ties this super-effective family of flies. Click here to watch his full step-by-step.

(Photos: Martin Smith)

Tags: Don, Fishing gear, Flies, Fly-fishing, Holme, Huddersfield, Trout, Urban fishing, Urban rivers