Fly Tying Book

Hook: Steelhead/Salmon 2-6
Thread: Black, 6/0
Tail: Red Hackle Fibers
Body: 1/4 Chartruese Chenille, 3/4 Black Chenille
Rib: Fine Silver Tinsel
Wing: Black Calf Tail covered with White Calf Tail
Hackle: Black

RWFF TYING TIP

The plain "Skunk" is an all black version of this fly (likely older). There are also Red Butt, Purple Butt, Peacock Butt, and all Purple varieties as well. Each variation has had sucess.

HISTORY

Not much chance of ever determining the origins of the Skunk. This is one of many steelhead flies whose exact origins are lost to us but through which we can learn some interesting and significant lessons about the evolution of steelhead flies and steelhead fly tying.
Two main theories about this fly's origins:

1- Wes Drain created this fly for the Stilly as early as the early 30's.

2 - From a Deke Meyers book (information sent to me by RWFF Member Bobcat John) that claims the fly was developed by Dan Callaghan of Salem, Oregon. Callaghan says, "I first tied the Green Butt Skunk for the Umpqua in 1957 or 1958 for fishing the Camp Waters and the Kitchen Hole.