Skunk
I was introduced to the Skunk in the early 70’s by a seasoned steelheader in Alaska."Although popular in areas of coastal Alaska and Canada,éa variation calledéthe Green
Butt Skunk may even be more popular, especially inéother steelhead and salmon waters.
The Green Butt Skunkéis generally credited to the grand photographer, Dan Callahan."Other variations, not as popular, are the Peacock Green Butt Skunk, Red Butt Skunk,
and the Purple Skunk."The latter is nothing more than aé white-winged version of the
Purple Peril."There is even a spey version available at The Fly Shop in Redding, CA
andéa hair wing Atlantic Salmon pattern offered byW.W. Doak."It has a chenille body
and bucktail wing."Another Atlantic Salmon pattern calls foréa floss body and Golden
Pheasant crest tail."As you can see, there are many versions of the traditional Skunk.
The origin of the traditional Skunk pattern, as with many other steelhead flies, will
remain a mystery forever."Many believe it originated about 70 years ago in southern
Oregon’s North Umpqua, or by Wes Drain of Seattle for the Stillaguamish River in
Washington.
Materials
Hook: Your favorite steelhead streamer hook.
Thread: Black 6/0.
Tail: Red Hackle.
Body: Black Chenille.
Ribbing: Oval Silver Tinsel.
Collar: Black Hackle.
Wing: White Skunk under Black Skunk.Note:
— I’ve also used white over black polar bear for the wings.
Originally published January 8, 2001 on Fly Anglers Online by Ed Gallop.