How to Tie the Backstabber Carp Fly

I use this carp fly almost exclusively...with much success! The Backstabber is commercially available in five different flavors: Black Leech, Olive, Rust, Wine and Grey Minnow. I prefer to use the darker colors (black and wine) when the water is high and muddy. Most of the carp fishing we do on still water is sight fishing. Not only do you have to see the fish in the water, but you need to see the fly! Later in the summer, once the water levels begin to drop in our local reservoirs, the carp will often act more like temperate bass (wiper, striper) and corral small shad in back coves. This is when a Grey Minnow Backstabber can be deadly! The Rust version is a great crayfish imitation and I use it when the water clears up slightly, or in creeks and rivers (South Platte!).

Step-By-Step Tying Instructions Due to the popularity of this fly pattern, I have made an instructional tying video:

Click Here To Watch Video!