Jerry's Intruder Fly

Jerry's Intruder Fly is a must-have pattern for any angler chasing steelhead or salmon in big water. Designed by Jerry French, one of the original creators of the Intruder style, this fly solves the problem of casting large flies. It creates a massive profile in the water to trigger aggressive strikes, yet it remains light enough to cast all day without fatigue. This 3-inch version is the perfect size for winter steelhead or aggressive chinook and coho salmon.

What It Imitates

This pattern does not imitate a specific insect hatch. Instead, it mimics the general shape and movement of aquatic creatures like prawns, squid, or baitfish. The swimming action of the materials triggers a predatory response or territorial aggression from the fish.

How To Use It

Fish this fly on the swing using a two-handed spey rod or a single-hand rod with a sink tip. Cast across the current and allow the line to swing tight as the fly swims through the run. The key is to keep tension on the line so you can feel the grab. It works best when you let the current animate the materials, so avoid stripping it too fast unless the water is very slow.

When To Use It

Jerry's Intruder shines in cold water conditions during the winter steelhead season. It is also an excellent choice for high or off-colored water where fish need a larger silhouette to see the fly. Darker colors like Black/Purple are great for low light or dirty water, while brighter options like Pink/Orange stand out on sunny days.

Why We Like It

We like this fly because it is tied by Aquaflies using Jerry French's specific composite loop method. This construction makes the fly incredibly durable and ensures it maintains its broad profile in heavy current. The use of high-quality materials, including ostrich and synthetic Jungle Cock eyes, gives it lifelike movement that standard flies cannot match. It offers the presence of a large fly without the heavy weight that makes casting difficult.

Comparisons

Jerry's Intruder Fly vs. Hoh Bo Spey

The Hoh Bo Spey relies heavily on marabou feathers to create a pulsing, fluid movement in the water. In contrast, Jerry's Intruder uses ostrich and composite loops to build a more structured profile that pushes more water. Choose the Hoh Bo Spey for slower water where you need maximum movement with little current, but pick Jerry's Intruder when you need a fly that holds its shape in heavy flow.

Jerry's Intruder Fly vs. Egg Sucking Leech

The Egg Sucking Leech is a traditional pattern that is often tied on a standard hook with a stiff profile. Jerry's Intruder features a modern shank-and-trailer-hook design that results in better hook-ups and less leverage for the fish to throw the hook. While the Egg Sucking Leech is a good general searching pattern, Jerry's Intruder is superior for triggering aggression in large, fresh fish.

Jerry's Intruder Fly vs. Dirty Hoh

The Dirty Hoh is typically a heavier, bulkier fly often tied with a large conehead or sculpin helmet to get deep fast. Jerry's Intruder is lighter and relies on your sink tip to get down, making it much easier to cast over long distances. If you are fishing deep pockets and need immediate depth, the Dirty Hoh is a good choice, but for covering wide runs with a smooth casting stroke, Jerry's Intruder is the better option.