Turck's Tarantula
Imitates: Attractor — hopper, stonefly, large terrestrial
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #6-10
- Best Season
- July through September
- Best Conditions
- Western freestones, big trout water, hopper season, grassy banks
- Water Temp
- 60-72°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 2X-3X
How to Rig It
Single big dry, or the indicator in a hopper-dropper with a stonefly nymph.
How to Present It
Slap it down hard near banks. The plop announces the meal and the rubber legs do the rest on the drift.
Why It Works
Big silhouette, rubber legs, deer-hair head — a perfect hopper imitation that also passes for a stonefly. Designed to draw aggressive strikes from big trout that ignore subtle flies.
History
Tied by Guy Turck for the 1992 Jackson Hole One Fly Contest, where it took the win. Has been a Western hopper-water staple ever since.
Pro Tip
Don't be shy on the cast. Slap the Tarantula down hard near banks — the impact triggers strikes, especially from big browns that grab on the splat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Tarantula best?+
Mid-July through September during peak hopper season on Western freestone rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and Big Hole.
Not sure if Turck's Tarantula is right today?
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