Circus Peanut

Designed by Cheech Fleischer, the Circus Peanut is among the most productive articulated streamers ever conceived. Its two-section design creates a hinging, throbbing action that mimics a wounded baitfish with jaw-dropping realism. The marabou and schlappen collar breathe on every micro-pause, and the fly's bulk displaces water that fish can sense with their lateral lines even in off-color conditions. Strip it hard, slow it down, let it hang — big trout absolutely crush it.

Type

streamer (Streamer)

Hook sizes

#2–6 (articulated, two hooks)

Target species

trout

Difficulty

advanced

Best seasons

spring, summer, fall

Materials

• hook: Rear: #6 Gamakatsu B10S; Front: #2 Gamakatsu B10S
• thread: Black 140-denier UTC
• tail: Tan, white, or olive marabou, stacked thick
• body: Magnum schlappen hackle, palmered
• body hackle: Schlappen feather in contrasting color
• overbody: Barred rubber legs (2–4 strands per side)

Tying steps

1. Build the rear section: mount a #6 Gamakatsu B10S hook; tie in thick tan or olive marabou as the tail.
2. Wind magnum schlappen hackle forward over the rear shank; add barred rubber legs on each side.
3. Whip finish the rear section; connect to the front hook via wire loop or braided line.
4. Mount the front #2 hook; tie in marabou and schlappen to match the rear section.
5. Add rubber legs on each side of the front section.
6. Build a large marabou collar at the head; optionally add UV resin or EP fiber for the head.
7. Tie in Flashabou or barred flash throughout both sections.
8. Whip finish the front hook head and coat with UV resin.