How to Tie the Pistol Pete Fly Pattern

With: Sport Fishing on the Fly

The Pistol Pete is a classic attractor streamer known for its spinning propeller blade that creates irresistible vibration and flash—ideal for catching trout, pike, walleye, and more in stained or moving water.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Tie the Pistol Pete

Step 1: Prepare the Hook and Beads

• Use a TMC 5263 size 2 streamer hook.

• Pinch the barb to make sliding beads easier and ensure a barbless setup.

• Slide on a large gold bead, followed by a red ruby glass bead, and then the propeller blade (ensure it's facing the right direction).

Step 2: Start the Thread Base

• Attach 6/0 black thread behind the red bead and create a solid thread base to stabilize the front section.

• Leave space so the propeller can spin freely.

Step 3: Add Weight

• Wrap the hook shank with .020 lead wire for added weight (adjust to .030 or .035 depending on water conditions).

• Push the wraps forward to rest behind the glass bead.

Step 4: Tie in the Tail

• Select two soft, webby marabou plumes (black or color of your choice).

• Tie them in concave-to-concave for better profile and movement. Tail length should be roughly the length of the hook shank.

• Secure with multiple thread wraps.

Step 5: Add Flash Accent

• Tie in two strands of holographic fuchsia tinsel on each side of the tail.

• Trim them slightly longer than the marabou tips.

Step 6: Tie in the Ribbing

• Secure a piece of brassy red wire along the body for ribbing and durability.

Step 7: Build the Body

• Tie in large black Senyo's chenille (or similar crystal chenille).

• Wrap it forward evenly to create a full body, stopping behind the red bead.

Step 8: Add the Hackle

• Select a soft webby claret hackle feather.

• Strip the base, tie in by the tip, and wrap palmer-style up the chenille body.

• Use your fingers or a bodkin to fluff out trapped fibers.

Step 9: Secure the Ribbing

• Wrap the red wire ribbing forward in wide spirals over the hackle and chenille.

• Tie it off securely behind the red bead.

Step 10: Final Adjustments & Finish

• Ensure the propeller spins freely and that no hackle fibers are blocking it.

• Whip finish behind the bead and apply a drop of head cement for durability.

Materials List

• Hook: TMC 5263, size 2

• Beads: Large gold bead (front), red ruby glass bead (behind prop)

• Propeller: Gold propeller blade (available at most fly shops)

• Thread: 6/0 Black

• Weight: .020 lead wire (adjustable to .030/.035)

• Tail: Black marabou (2 plumes, soft and webby)

• Flash: Holographic fuchsia tinsel (2 strands)

• Ribbing: Brassy red wire

• Body: Large black Senyo’s chenille (or similar)

• Hackle: Soft claret saddle or body feather

• Head Cement: For durability