The Slow Sinking Spider variant is a highly effective and simple fly pattern designed to target bluegill and other panfish. The Slow Sinking Spider variant is based on the original Slow Sinking Spider, a popular creation by Stephen Robert, which was notably tied by Bill Morrison. It features a soft, lightweight micro chenille body that allows the fly to slowly descend through the water column, mimicking a struggling insect. This slow sink rate is particularly enticing to bluegill and other panfish, which are known to strike at prey as it hovers just above their line of sight.

Tying this fly requires minimal materials, making it accessible even to beginner fly tiers. The simplicity of the design doesn’t compromise its effectiveness, as the movement created by the rubber legs and the slow, natural descent attract fish in both still and moving water. It’s considered a “killer” fly for panfish, particularly when used in ponds or shallow lakes where bluegill are actively feeding near the surface. This pattern proves that sometimes, the most straightforward designs can be the most productive on the water.

Materials

• Thread:Black 14/0
• Hook:Firehole size 12
• Body:Micro chenille red, yellow, chartreuse, or red
• Back:Micro chenille black
• Thorax:Micro chenille black
• Legs:Fine rubber legs – pick your colour.

Cut your rubber legs 4cm long, separate into fours

Tying Instructions

1. Cover the hook with thread and back to behind the eye.
2. Tie in the body and thorax materials side-by-side.

3. Wrap the body to the mid-point of the hook. Tie it off.
4. Fold the black chenille over the top of the body. Tie it off.

5. Wrap the black chenille to form the thorax.
6. Tie it off, whip finish, and cut the thread.

7. Reattach the thread at the junction of the thorax and body.
8. Tie in a four-leg strip on top of the hook.

9. Whip finish on top.
10. Split the legs and position two on each side of the body.

11. Trim the legs all the same length.
12. Apply one drop of UV resin on top of the body.
13. Whip finish.