How to Tie a Slump Buster Streamer for Euro Nymphing (Step-by-Step Guide)

Fly Tying
Written By Trent Jones

With: Bugz Inc.

The Slump Buster Streamer is a versatile and highly effective fly for aggressive trout, especially when fished with Euro nymphing techniques in smaller sizes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start the Thread Base

  • Use Uni 6/0 thread in hot fire orange (or match the fur color if you prefer a neutral head).

  • Start the thread just behind the tungsten bead and wrap a base down to the bend of the hook.

Step 2: Prepare the Zonker Strip

  • Use a rabbit zonker strip (Hairline Brown Barred Ginger). Split a full zonker lengthwise to reduce bulk.

  • Measure ~1/4" to 3/8" of leather and pierce it through the bottom so the hook exits through the fur side.

  • Mount the hook back in the vise with the strip inverted and tie down the zonker where pierced using 3 snug thread wraps, followed by 3–4 locking wraps in front.

Step 3: Build the Body with Dubbing

  • Use Ice Dub in Gold (metallic version with long, straight fibers).

  • Apply a tight dubbing noodle and wrap a tapered body, leaving about 1/8” of space behind the bead for additional materials.

Step 4: Anchor the Zonker Strip

  • Stretch the zonker strip slightly, part the fur, and tie it down behind the bead with 4 snug wraps.

  • Trim excess leather close to the tie-in point.

Step 5: Add a Barring Topper

  • To restore barring across the back (which rabbit lacks compared to pine squirrel), cut ~3/8” of barred rabbit fur.

  • Gather the tips and tie them in on top of the fly to enhance natural coloration, then trim the front ends.

Step 6: Add Belly Flash

  • Pull a small pinch of gold Ice Dub fibers from the body dubbing.

  • Wet fingers and align fibers beneath the fly, tie them in with 2–3 wraps, then fold forward-facing ends back and secure.

Step 7: Create a Dubbing Loop Head with Rabbit

  • Use two strips of rabbit zonker in a Magic Clip or chip clip, align tips, and trim excess to desired fiber length.

  • Insert into a dubbing loop, spin to create a rope, and brush out fibers with Velcro or dubbing brush.

Step 8: Wrap the Head

  • Wet fingers and form a swept-back dubbing rope.

  • Wrap the dubbing loop forward behind the bead, creating a compact "bullet-style" sculpin head.

Step 9: Whip Finish & Secure the Hot Spot

  • Whip finish once behind the bead for a subtle hot spot or twice for a more prominent fire orange collar.

  • Add a drop of head cement if desired.

Material List for the Slump Buster Streamer

  • Hook: Mustad J60 XAP Jig Hook, Size 12

  • Bead: 4.6 mm Metallic Coffee Tungsten Bead

  • Thread: Uni 6/0, Hot Fire Orange

  • Tail & Wing: Brown Barred Ginger Rabbit Zonker (split lengthwise)

  • Body: Ice Dub (Gold, metallic variant)

  • Top Accent: Additional Barred Rabbit Fur

  • Belly Flash: Gold Ice Dub fibers

  • Head: Rabbit fur in a dubbing loop (double thickness for volume)

Trent Jones
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