Ed,

The Golden Retriever is a Jim Finn pattern, originally out of Mossy Creek Outfitters in VA. Yes, it can be tied smaller and I have in the past. But even for skinny water, I find the standard #10 to remain the most productive pattern. And oddly enough, fished under an indicator is the most effective method for me.

You may be surprised just how many types of conditions this little pattern does well.