The Magog Smelt fly was created by Frier Gulline, owner of the Montreal tackle shop Fin, Fur and Feather, Ltd., for use in Lake Memphremagog, which straddles the Quebec and Vermont border. Designed to imitate the rainbow smelt in the lake, it was initially used for landlocked salmon before becoming a popular pattern for various trout and bass species

The Magog Smelt has been a staple pattern in my flybox for many years especially when targeting Landlocked Salmon. It ranks in the same vein as the Grey Ghost or Black Nosed Dace as a traditional pattern that stands the test of time. I have tied many of these over the years for myself and for sale both in single hook and tandem styles. It has evolved into the pattern as indicated below using modern materials and flsh to give this age old pattern a "new lease on life". I hope you enjoy tying a few for yourself!

Pattern Recipe: The Modern Magog Smelt (DcTackle Variant)

Here’s how to tie this modernized version of the Northwoods classic — a perfect fusion of tradition and cutting-edge materials.

Hook: Use a Partridge 9X Heritage Streamer or equivalent long-shank streamer hook. Sizes 2–6 are ideal for both brook trout and landlocked salmon.

Thread: Black Semperfli Classic 8/0 — strong, smooth, and perfect for building a clean head.

Body: Small Silver Mylar Tubing (3-4mm) over a smooth antron yarn base. Secure firmly and coat lightly with head cement or UV resin to add durability and depth. Secure the mylar Tubing opposite the hook point with Fl. Red UTC140 thread and coat with Hot Red UV Resin. This creates a hot spot that accentuates the mylar body.

Tail: Fray the end of the Mylar Tubing before tying in to create a subtle, natural-looking tail that extends about a hook gap length past the bend.

Throat: Tie in a small bunch of White Goat Hair, then overlay with a sparse touch of Red Ice Dub to create a bright, fish-attracting hot spot.

Underwing: Add a layer of Yellow Snow Runner to give body and lift to the wing. This helps maintain a lively profile even when the fly is wet.

Wing: Tie in a sparse bunch of Purple Snow Runner, then overlay it with Purple Skeena Goat. This dual-tone approach gives your streamer depth, contrast, and motion in the water.

Flash: Use Pearl Krinkle Mirror Flash over the Yellow Snow Runner, followed by a few strands of Rainbow Holo. Flashabou over the Purple Goat. Keep flash minimal — it should enhance, not dominate, the pattern.

Topping: Add 4 strands of Peacock Herl for a touch of iridescent green sheen. This gives the fly a lifelike shimmer, just like the natural smelt.

Cheeks: Attach a pair of Teal feathers, about one-third the length of the wing, to each side. These add balance and a touch of classic streamer elegance.

Head: Build a neat, tapered head with black thread. Seal with UV Resin for a smooth, glossy finish and added durability.

Eyes: Apply 3/32" Yellow with Black Pupil stick-on eyes to each side of the head, then coat again with UV resin to lock them in and complete the lifelike appearance.

Tying Notes and Tips

• Snow Runner (also known as Nayat Hair) gives this pattern exceptional movement and volume while maintaining a clean profile when wet. It sheds water efficiently and keeps its shape—ideal for anglers who cast streamers all day.
• The Silver Mylar Tubing creates a luminous body that mimics the translucent shimmer of smelt in clear northern waters. Coating the tubing with a thin layer of head cement or UV resin increases durability and adds depth.
• Keep your wing sparse but layered—the combination of purple and yellow builds contrast and triggers strikes from both trout and salmon.
• A small pop of Red Ice Dub at the throat provides a subtle attractor without overpowering the natural tones.
• The UV Resin head not only protects your thread but also completes the sleek, modern look of the fly.

Video - A Trolling Tandem version

Classic vs. Modern: The Magog Smelt Reimagined

Few streamer patterns have earned the reputation and respect of the Magog Smelt. First designed in the early 1900s this fly was born from the shimmering schools of smelt that Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and landlocked salmon gorge on during spring runs. The classic bucktail version remains a staple in traditional streamer collections — but like the waters it imitates, the Magog Smelt continues to evolve.

The Classic Bucktail Magog Smelt

The traditional Magog Smelt embodies simplicity, durability, and lifelike translucence.
Its signature features include:

• A flat silver tinsel body wrapped over a smooth thread base.
• A bucktail wing layered in yellow, orange, and purple, giving the pattern its striking, baitfish-like silhouette.
• Peacock herl topping and teal cheeks that add a classic finishing touch.

Bucktail provided the movement and resilience early tiers needed — easy to find, durable in current, and naturally tapered. It gave the pattern a crisp, slender swimming action perfect for fast-moving rivers and deep lake trolling alike.

The DcTackle Modern Variation

In the DcTackle version, the Magog Smelt is reborn through the eyes of today’s fly fishing adventurer — someone who values both performance and artistry.

Instead of bucktail, this pattern uses Snow Runner and Himalayan Goat, fibers that shimmer and breathe underwater with an almost electric pulse. The result? A streamer that holds its profile while swimming with lifelike movement — irresistible to trophy brook trout and landlocked salmon.

The body is now built with Silver Mylar Tubing rather than flat tinsel, giving a subtle 3D shimmer and durability that withstands countless casts. A hint of Red Ice Dub in the throat acts as a natural strike trigger, while the Rainbow Holo Flash brings just enough light play to mimic the scales of a fleeing smelt.

This version keeps the soul of the original but enhances it with modern materials for a livelier, more realistic presence in the water.

Why Fly Fishing Adventurers Love This Pattern

For the modern fly angler, the Modern Magog Smelt is more than a pattern—it’s a mindset.
It celebrates the heritage of Northwoods fly tying while embracing the possibilities of today’s materials.

Here’s why it resonates with adventurous anglers:

• Versatile & Durable: Mylar tubing resists wear and tear, making it perfect for long days on the water.
• High Contrast Appeal: The purple-and-yellow wing combination grabs attention in both bright and low-light conditions.
• Lifelike Movement: Snow Runner fibers pulse naturally in the current, creating an irresistible, swimming silhouette.
• Connection to Tradition: Each tie feels like an homage to the past—just with a touch of modern flair.

“This isn’t just a streamer—it’s a bridge between tradition and innovation. It’s where the spirit of the old guides meets the curiosity of the modern explorer.”

When and Where to Fish It

The Modern Magog Smelt is deadly effective in conditions where smelt and small baitfish are part of the forage base.

Try fishing it:

• On spring mornings when trout and salmon chase spawning smelt in shallow bays.
• Along river mouths and drop-offs where predators wait in ambush.
• On slow retrieves or long trolling runs behind a canoe or drift boat.

The vivid flash and subtle movement make this fly a go-to choice for clear lakes, northern rivers, and stillwaters where finesse and presentation matter.

👉 Click here to get your Magog Smelt Special Streamer now at DcTackle.ca

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