What Are Cat's Whisker Flies?
Cat's Whisker flies are classic British stillwater lures featuring a distinctive white body with a green back and white marabou tail. They get their name from the long, white marabou tail that resembles a cat's whiskers.
Key Characteristics:
- White Body: Usually white chenille or similar material
- Green Back: Fluorescent green or lime green back/wing
- White Marabou Tail: Long, flowing white marabou tail for incredible movement
- Various Sizes: Typically tied on size 6-12 hooks
- Weighted Versions: Often with bead heads for deeper fishing
What They Imitate:
- Fry: Small fish, particularly trout fry with their white/green coloration
- Sticklebacks: Small spiny fish found in many stillwaters
- General Baitfish: Various small fish that trout feed on
- Attractors: Pure trigger patterns that provoke aggressive strikes
- Minnows: Small baitfish in their natural colors
Popular Variations:
- Original Cat's Whisker: White body, green back, white marabou tail
- Bead Head Cat's Whisker: Weighted versions for deeper fishing
- Mini Cat's Whisker: Smaller versions for pressured fish
- Cat's Whisker Booby: With foam eyes for suspended fishing
- Zonker Cat's Whisker: With rabbit strip instead of marabou
When to Use Them:
- Stillwater: Particularly deadly on lakes, reservoirs, and ponds