Matuka
by Tom Knoth

The Matuka fly pattern was named after the New Zealand Bittern bird (Matuku) whose feathers were originally used in the construction of the fly’s wing. The idea of binding the hackle wing along the top of the hook shank originated in New Zealand over 50 years ago. The hackle wing of the matuka gives it a relatively wide profile making it the ideal imitation of perch, sunfish, sculpin, and other wide bodied baitfish. They can be used for any predatory fish including trout, steelhead, salmon, and bass.

Small (#10-14) matukas are very effective imitations of perch fry in the late summer and fall, and are a very popular fly in Eastern Sierra Lakes, especially Bridgeport Resevoir and Crowley Lake. They may be kick-trolled or fished by a variety of cast, count-down, and retrieve presentations. Vary the retrieve until you find what works best at the moment: slow and steady, fast, strip-and-pause, or quick, short two-inch strips.

In rivers, this is a good fly to use with a sink-tip line, and should be fished with a across and slightly downstream cast. Give your streamer time to sink and then strip the line to make your fly swim along the bottom. Prime locations to fish are below riffles, near undercut banks, or wherever you see minnows being chased/jumping.

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