Butcher
The Butcher is a classic silver-bodied wet fly with a dark blue wing and black hackle, one of the most enduring traditional trout flies. It supports Butcher fly pattern, classic wet fly for trout, and silver blue wet fly searches.
Imitates: Small baitfish, wet insects, and flashy attractor prey
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #8-14
- Best Season
- Spring through fall
- Best Conditions
- Rivers, lakes, overcast weather, and active trout water
- Water Temp
- 44-62°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 4X-5X
How to Rig It
Fish on a wet-fly team or alone when trout want a traditional winged fly with extra flash.
How to Present It
Swing, pulse, or retrieve in short smooth strips.
Why It Works
The silver body flashes like prey while the dark wing gives trout a clean target shape.
History
A Victorian-era favorite, the Butcher has remained popular for both river and stillwater trout for well over a century.
Pro Tip
When trout ignore drabber wets, the Butcher often gets attention without needing a full streamer presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Butcher a trout fly or salmon fly?+
It is most commonly used as a trout wet fly, though it has also been tied and fished for other species.
Not sure if Butcher is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
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