Fed’s Hot Spot Snatcher
Fed’s Hot Spot Snatcher Variant is Paul Fedeles’ take on a classic Snatcher fly, inspired by Rick Passek (the Fly Fish Fanatic) and rooted in old British design.
The Snatcher-style fly has deep roots in British stillwater traditions, with a track record that stretches back to the lochs of Scotland. Originally designed to imitate large buzzer pupae, it was built for action below the surface—right in the mix of wind-blown waves where trout cruise. It’s part of a family of time-tested patterns, along with the dabbler and the cruncher. Each has its own character, but they all share a common goal: catching fish when the conditions aren’t easy.
Enter Fed’s Hot Spot Snatcher Variant, a sharp modern twist on a proven formula. This version comes from Paul, who’s taken inspiration from Rick Passek’s Hot Spot Snatcher, and added his own spin. It stays true to the Snatcher’s original role but brings in some flash and contrast that gives it extra punch in tough conditions.
What Makes Paul’s Version Stand Out?
Paul’s Hot Spot Snatcher doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it tunes it to perfection:
- Yellow floss butt: This adds a distinct trigger point at the tail, giving fish something to key in on.
- Black peacock ice dubbing body: A mix of subtle sparkle and lifelike texture. It mimics movement even when you’re not stripping.
- Black saddle hackle: Classic and clean. It offers profile and movement without overdoing it.
- Yellow turkey biots: A nice touch for extra definition and contrast.
Together, these elements create a fly that has just enough flash to stand out, but not so much that it spooks pressured fish.
How to Fish It
The beauty of this pattern is its versatility. It shines on a full sink line when you’re trying to get down and work the depths with a steady retrieve. But it’s just as effective on a floating line when fish are sitting higher in the water column. It’s perfect for those “in-between” days—when the streamer game is slow, but you don’t want to go full-on buzzer drift.
In short, the Hot Spot Snatcher fills a gap. It covers that middle ground where traditional tactics stall out.
The Legacy Lives On
Patterns like the Snatcher have survived for centuries because they work. And every generation of fly anglers finds ways to adapt them to modern materials and new challenges. Paul’s version, tied in the spirit of Rick Passek’s original, is a great example of this evolution—respecting the old-school roots while embracing what works now.
If it’s not already in your fly box, it probably should be.
Materials
- Hook: Scud Size 8 (Crush the barbs).
- Thread: 14/0 black.
- Butt: Yellow floss.
- Rib: Silver Wire.
- Body: Black peacock ice Dubbing.
- Hackle: Black Saddle.
- Cheeks: Yellow turkey Biots
Tying Instructions
- Start the Thread
Cover the hook shank evenly with black thread. - Create the Butt
Tie in and build up a prominent butt section using yellow floss.
- Add the Rib
Tie in silver wire at the rear of the hook and leave it hanging for later. - Form the Body
Create a dubbing loop and fill it with black peacock ice dubbing.
Wrap a tapered body forward, leaving space behind the eye for the hackle and head.
- Prepare the Hackle
Measure a black saddle hackle so the fibres are roughly the same length as the hook shank. - Tie in the Hackle
Tie in the hackle just behind the hook eye.
Make two wraps in front of the body, then palmer it evenly back toward the butt.
- Secure the Hackle
Use the silver wire to counter-wrap forward through the hackle to the eye, securing it in place. Tie off and trim excess. - Shape the Hackle
Gently brush or stroke the hackle fibres back toward the bend of the hook.
- Add the Cheeks
Tie in one yellow turkey biot on each side of the fly, matching the length of the hook shank. - Finish the Fly
Build a neat head with thread, whip finish, and apply one drop of Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails for durability.
