Hocus Pocus Fly

The Hocus Pocus Fly is a specialized pattern designed to solve a specific problem for steelhead anglers: the low-light hours of early morning. While many traditional patterns disappear in the gray light of dawn, this fly uses modern materials to capture available light and grab the attention of waking fish. It is a summer steelhead staple, particularly famous on the Deschutes River, but it works anywhere aggressive fish hold in moving water. This is a must-have pattern for the first few runs of the day.

What It Imitates

This pattern is a true attractor fly and does not imitate a specific insect or baitfish. Instead, it relies on high-contrast colors and light-reflecting materials to trigger an aggressive strike response. The combination of a fluorescent butt and an Angel Hair wing creates a profile that glows and shimmers even in dim conditions.

How To Use It

Fish this fly using a traditional wet fly swing. Cast across and slightly downstream, mending your line to control the speed as the fly swings across the current. The Hocus Pocus is designed to ride near the surface, so it works best with a floating line or a light sink tip. A fast, aggressive swing often triggers the best strikes, as the Angel Hair wing pulses with the current speed.

When To Use It

This fly shines brightest during the "magic hour" of early morning before the sun hits the water. It is an excellent choice for summer steelhead when water temperatures are warmer and fish are willing to move for a fly. While it is designed for low light, it can also produce results on dark, overcast days or in slightly colored water where extra visibility helps fish find the target.

Why We Like It

We like the Hocus Pocus because it modernizes the classic hair-wing steelhead fly concept. The addition of the fluorescent butt and synthetic wing gives it an edge over traditional materials when visibility is poor. It allows anglers to fish confidently during the prime early morning hours, knowing their fly is visible to fish holding in the shadows.

Comparisons

Hocus Pocus vs Green Butt Skunk:

The Green Butt Skunk is arguably the most famous steelhead fly in history and uses traditional calf tail and chenille. The Hocus Pocus offers a similar high-contrast trigger but upgrades the materials to synthetic Angel Hair and fluorescent accents. Choose the Hocus Pocus for lower light conditions where you need extra flash, and stick to the Skunk for brighter mid-day conditions.

Hocus Pocus vs Purple Peril:

Both flies rely heavily on purple, a color proven to move steelhead. The Purple Peril is a darker, more silhouette-based pattern, while the Hocus Pocus adds a bright "hot spot" butt and a shimmering wing. If the water is clear and the sun is up, the Purple Peril is a subtle choice. If it is dark, gray, or foggy, the Hocus Pocus is the better option.

Hocus Pocus vs Freight Train:

The Freight Train is a heavy, bold attractor pattern that mixes multiple bright colors like orange, red, and purple. It is often tied with a heavier profile for deeper water. The Hocus Pocus is generally tied sparser for a faster, near-surface swing. Use the Freight Train when you need to get down in heavier current, and use the Hocus Pocus for swinging shallow riffles and tailouts.