Andy Satanek a.k.a. 3-Weight shows us his “go-to” patterns for spring panfish. More information is available at Andy’s AMflyfishing website.
It’s that time of the year, sliding into the kayak with the 3-weight in the pursuit of Northwest Indiana panfish (bluegills, redears, and pumpkinseeds). Not only are panfish fun to catch and plentiful, the selection of flies needed are non-complicated and quick ties. Below are my “go-to” patterns (materials are listed in the order they are tied-in).
Teeny Nymph Natural
Teeny Nymph (size 10 shown)
Hook – TMC 3761 (1X long, 2X heavy)
Sizes – 8 to 12
Thread – Black
Body – Ringneck pheasant tail fibers
Legs – Ringneck pheasant tail fibers (fibers from the body are tied back and down)
Head – Black thread
Foam Fly Yellow 10
Foam Fly (size 10 shown)
Hook – TMC 100
Sizes – 8 to 12
Thread – Yellow
Tail – Black bear hair
Legs – Black round legs
Body and head – Yellow closed cell foam, 1/8” thickness
Alternative body colors – black, orange, white
AMS Cap Spider
Cap Spider Variant
Jig Head – 10# / 124 ounce
Thread – Black
Butt – Chartreuse floss
Body – Black rabbit dubbing
Cap Spider Pattern originator – Michael Verduin
In the early 2000’s, Michael captured three National Bream Tournaments (US) fishing only Cap Spiders. Fish the Cap Spider with a long leader … using tiny strips to drag the fly along the bottom. The jig head allows the hook to ride-up making it nearly snag-proof.
AMS Spider
Foam Spider (size 10 shown)
Hook – TMC 100
Sizes – 6 to 12
Thread – Black
Body – Black foam spider body (Waspi)
Legs – Speckled orange round legs (Waspi)
The Foam Spider is one of the most popular surface bugs for catching panfish.
