Butt Monkey - Size #6 & #2 - Black, Olive, White, or White/Orange

The Butt Monkey is a streamer fly, a tantalizing imitation of a baitfish used primarily in the pursuit of large, predatory freshwater species. It's a fly designed to provoke an aggressive response from fish such as Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and even Muskellunge. 

The Butt Monkey features a long, flowing tail made from rabbit fur, and marabou feathers, which moves with a lifelike action in the water. The body is constructed from strips of rabbit fur which gives the fly a lot of natural movement. These strips are often palmered around the hook shank to create a bulky, pulsating profile that pushes water as the fly is retrieved.

For added attraction, the Butt Monkey include strands of flash material dispersed throughout the body and tail. This flash mimics the shiny scales of a real fish and can catch the light, drawing attention from predators.

The head of the Butt Monkey is weighted with lead wire wraps beneath the fur. This weight helps the fly to sink quickly and maintain a depth during retrieval. The Butt Monkey comes in a variety of darker colors for clear water conditions and brighter, more vibrant colors for stained waters or overcast days.

To fish the Butt Monkey effectively, you'll need a stout rod and reel combo that can handle casting larger flies and managing big fish. A sinking or sink-tip line is often used to get the fly down to the desired depth quickly.

Here's how to go about fishing it:

1. Casting: Begin by casting the Butt Monkey towards likely fish-holding structures such as drop-offs, weed lines, submerged logs, or rock piles. The idea is to get the fly into the zone where predators are likely ambushing prey.

2. Retrieval: Once the fly hits the water, allow it to sink to the desired depth. Retrieve it with a series of strips that mimic the erratic movement of an injured fish. The exact retrieval speed and rhythm can vary—sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times more erratic, quick strips are more effective.

3. Pause and Twitch: Periodically pause during your retrieve to let the fly settle. This can often trigger strikes from following fish that are enticed by the sudden vulnerability of the "prey."

4. Strike Detection: Be ready for a strike at any time. Predators often hit streamers like the Butt Monkey with force, so a solid hook-set is crucial.

5. Playing Fish: Once hooked, keep steady pressure on the fish. The Butt Monkey's large hook size usually ensures a good hook-set, but be wary of jumps and runs that can dislodge the hook.

6. Variations: Don't hesitate to experiment with different retrieves and depths until you find what works best for the conditions and species you're targeting on any given day.

The Butt Monkey is not just a fly but an experience—a combination of craft in its creation and skill in its presentation. It's a go-to pattern for those looking to engage with the thrill of catching large and aggressive fish on a fly rod.