Intruder

The Intruder is a massive Pacific Northwest spey fly developed by Ed Ward for winter and summer steelhead. Its enormous profile of marabou, ostrich, and flash creates an irresistible underwater presence that triggers strikes from even the most selective fish.

Type: wet fly (Steelhead)
Hook sizes: #1/0–#2 spey with trailer hook
Target species: steelhead, salmon
Difficulty: advanced
Best seasons: fall, winter, spring

Materials

hook: 60-degree jig hook #1/0–#2 with size 2 Octopus trailer hook on mono loop
thread: UTC 140 or GSP, matched to body color
tail: Marabou blood feathers in two contrasting colors
hackle: Schlappen or heron substitute in two colors for spey collars
body: Large ostrich herl collar
ribbing: UV Polar Chenille and Flashabou (8–10 strands per side)

Tying steps

Thread a size 1/0 60-degree jig hook and position a large orange or black tungsten cone at the front to form the weighted head.
Tie in a thick marabou tail at the rear of the shank — choose contrasting colors such as black over hot orange or purple over blue, palmering to full extension.
Wrap a collar of schlappen or spey hackle (heron substitute) around the tail tie-in point in 3–4 open turns, sweeping all fibers rearward.
Tie in 8–10 strands of Flashabou and UV Polar Chenille on each side to form a lateral flash line along the body.
Wind a large ostrich herl collar in 4 full turns ahead of the first spey hackle collar.
Tie in a second, larger marabou bunch as the main body wing — the total fly length should be 3–4 inches when measured wet.
Add a second schlappen hackle collar of a contrasting color ahead of the main marabou wing.
Attach a trailer hook loop of 30 lb monofilament extending 1.5 inches behind the main hook, and rig a size 2 Octopus hook on the loop.
Build a smooth thread head behind the cone and apply two coats of UV resin, curing between coats for maximum durability.
Inspect the finished fly — both sides should be symmetrical, the trailer hook should hang freely, and the total fly length should be 3–4 inches.