Hartwicks Marabou Tube Fly

The Hartwicks Marabou Tube Fly is a premier pattern for targeting steelhead and salmon in river systems. Designed by Jason Hartwick, this fly combines the pulsing movement of marabou with the practical advantages of a tube fly platform. It features a one-inch plastic tube that keeps the overall weight low, making it much easier to cast than many other large winter flies. The materials flare out in the water to create a substantial profile that grabs the attention of aggressive fish without feeling like a wet sock on your line.

What It Imitates

This pattern is a classic attractor that does not mimic one specific insect. Instead, it represents a variety of food sources such as prawns, squid, or small baitfish. The flowing marabou and ostrich wing create a teardrop shape that pulses with every shift in the current, triggering a predatory reaction from holding fish.

How To Use It

Fish this pattern on the swing using a spey rod or a single-hand rod with a sink tip. Cast across the current and let the line come tight, allowing the fly to sweep through the run under tension. The marabou fibers do all the work, so you rarely need to strip or twitch the fly. The tube design allows the hook to separate from the fly body during the fight, which reduces the leverage a fish can use to throw the hook. Always check your junction tubing to ensure the hook is seated correctly before you cast.

When To Use It

This fly shines during the winter and spring seasons when water temperatures are cold. It is an excellent choice for off-colored or high water because its large profile pushes water and remains visible. The bright color options like Fuchsia/Purple and Hot Pink are perfect for overcast days, while the darker Blue/Black combination works well in clearer water or low-light conditions.

Why We Like It

We love this fly because it solves the common problem of casting heavy winter intruders. The plastic tube keeps it light enough to cast all day without fatigue, yet it still sinks well when paired with the right tip. The prop hackle behind the marabou keeps the materials from collapsing in fast water, ensuring the fly maintains its broad profile at all times. Plus, the ability to replace a damaged hook without discarding the entire fly saves money in the long run.

Comparisons

Hartwicks Marabou Tube Fly vs Standard Intruder:

The Standard Intruder is often tied on a heavy shank with large dumbbell eyes, making it heavier and harder to cast for some anglers. The Hartwicks Marabou uses a lightweight plastic tube, so it is easier to throw while still offering a similar large profile. Choose the Standard Intruder if you need maximum depth immediately, but pick the Hartwicks Marabou for easier casting and better hook-to-landing ratios.

Hartwicks Marabou Tube Fly vs Hoh Bo Spey:

Both flies rely heavily on marabou for their action and are excellent choices for winter steelhead. The main difference is the platform; the Hoh Bo Spey is typically tied on a shank with a trailing hook loop, while the Hartwicks pattern is a tube fly. The tube design on the Hartwicks fly allows the hook to detach from the body during a fight, which often results in fewer lost fish compared to the fixed loop of the Hoh Bo Spey.

Hartwicks Marabou Tube Fly vs Prom Dress:

The Prom Dress is a flash-heavy pattern designed to trigger fish with sparkle and shine. In contrast, the Hartwicks Marabou relies on the soft, natural movement of feathers rather than flash. You should choose the Prom Dress in dirty water where reflection is key, but switch to the Hartwicks Marabou when fish are pressured or in clearer water where a more natural movement is required.