Photo: Tied for fly fishing. Naturalist Observation, c. 1912.
Fly pattern

Wagon Warrior

Howard Croston's custom jig-style streamer. Designed by the 2019 World Champion for stillwater and river angling, this zonker-style fly features a heavy bead and jig-hook design that swims with erratic movement and rides hook-up to prevent riverbed snags.

Key points

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Riding posture: Fished upside-down (hook point up) to drastically reduce bottom snags.
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Action: Broad rabbit-strip zonker tail creates fluid, snake-like swimming action in the water.
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Tactics: Fished deep with a sink-and-draw retrieve or suspended under an indicator in lake competitions.

Tying videos

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Tying Howard Croston's Wagon Warrior — signature jig zonker.

Imitates

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baitfish and fry — sculpins, baitfish, or large leeches.

Related

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woolly bugger — classic searching streamer.
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muddler minnow — sculpin imitation alternative.

Sources

•
Fulling Mill Tying Channel: Wagon Warrior — video guide.
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