How to Tie Russ Maddin Circus Peanut

What You’ll Need

Hook

2 Hooks 3xl, TMC 5263, size 2-4

Thread

Danville 210 & Uni-thread 6/0, color to match body

Tail

Marabou

Weed Guard

25 pound mono

Eyes

Whatever you prefer, make sure they’re heavy

Flash

Flashabou

Body

Crystal chenille

Legs

Sili-legs, color to match body

Hackle

Schlappen

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-1-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 1

First thing first, attach the eyes before building the back of the hook. That way by the time you’re ready to tie on the lead hook it will be dry enough. It’s also great if you’re tying a few at one sitting. For further detail on how to attach eyes using Sally Hansen’s hard as nails go check out the sculpin.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-2-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 2

The best marabou for tying larger tails that “look” full is strung marabou. Don’t try to substitute or you’ll tell. Wooly bugger marabou is too short. Measure the tail to be one an a half times the hook shank. You can use two pieces if you desire. This particular pattern we are only using one. If you’re building a body this is the way I like to tie in the marabou. Tie it in at the back and wind up.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-3-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 3

When you get three quarters of the way up cut off the excess. Now wind back towards the back again.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-4-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 4

Now grab a few strands of flashabou. You can use whatever color you like, I just like red when I’m tying black. Note: When you’re working with softer material such as marabou, it’s important that you use soft flash instead of stiffer type stuff and to me you can’t go wrong with flashabou.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-5-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 5

You should still be at the back. Tie in the chenille and wind it up until you get to the desired spot you want to tie in the sili-legs. On this pattern it’s usually up about ¾ of the hook shank.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-6-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 6

So we’re going to use a total of eight legs hanging. If you cut the full length of the legs you can fold them around the thread, then tie them down. Repeat the step on the other side. Now you should have four hanging towards the back and four towards the front. If you’re wondering what to do with the chenille, it should be folded back so you can have room to move the thread forward as you wind the other legs up just a hair.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-7-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 7

As you can see in the picture I’m ready to wind the chenille up a few more turns. After you’ve made a few turns your ready to fold the other sili-legs back. Wind the chenille in front of the legs forcing them to lay back. Remember after all this you should still have a little room to tie in the schlappen for the collar.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-8-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 8

If you notice in the picture, make sure when selecting the right schlappen it’s long enough to make a full collar. Tie in from the bigger section and not the tip. I make about 4-5 turns for the collar.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-9-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 9

Showing an up close shot so you can see how I tied the feather. Tie it in where the dull side is facing down. This will give the feather a “laid back look”.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-10-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 10

After tying the feather in, I like to wind back just a little on the feather itself. Whip finish and glue it. Now we’re ready for the 

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-11-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 11

The back fly was tied with uni-thread.When tying down the 25 pound mono you’ll use the Danville 210. Tie it in right behind the eyes and wind to the bend.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-12-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 12

When you get to the bend you’re ready to slide the back hook through the mono of the eye of the other hook. Make sure both hooks look the same when it’s complete. If one hook is going the other direction (facing upright), you‘ll need to reslide it going the other direction. Now secure it tightly as you wind down the mono going back up behind the eyes. Cut the excess mono off.

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Step 13

You don’t need a marabou tail on the front hook. Tie in the chenille and wind up the same, ¾ of the hook shank.

This is the stopping point. You should still have enough chenille to complete the fly and wind between the eyes.

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Step 14

Repeat the same steps as you did before with the legs.

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Step 15

Tie down the chenille and fold it forward over the eyes. Leave it there until you tie in the schlappen for the collar behind the eyes.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-16-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 16

Also tie in the schlappen the same way as you did before. I like this one to be even longer, almost taking up the length of the hook shank once tied in.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-17-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 17

Wind it about four turns and trim off the excess. Now make one turn in front of the schlappen, but behind the eyes. This will help lay the collar back and give it that push.

[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Russ-Maddins-Circus-Peanut-step-18-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]

Step 18

Make a figure eight between the eyes and one turn in front. Trim the excess and glue it. That’s it!! This fly catches monster fish, but always keep in mind, you might only have one hook up. But it should be the fish you’re looking for.

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Step 19