How to tie a simple, but deadly Musky Popper Fly by Musky Fool

A simple little popper tied by Dan Donovan to offer various presentation styles and imitate a baby loon. This pattern is dangerous when stripped slow and steady for a constant subtle wake, subtle chugs that give it a popping or slapping noise, or loud aggressive chugs that push a lot of water. I also like to introduce steady long pulls in my retrieve which gives off a long bubble trail. I typically fish this fly on a full intermediate for the best effects. The feathers are tied aggressively and in an outward facing bend to imitate the full bird plumage. The size comes in at a efficient 9 inches, making it a great topwater fly for all seasons on your 10wt and up! I like it best in late july/early august on a 10wt :)
Musky Popper Recipe:
Thread: VEEVUS GSP 150D BLACK
Shank: 40-45MM .051 BIG GAME SHANK (optional for the head)
Hook: GAMAKATSU B10S STINGER 5/0
Head: RAINY'S CYLINDER POPPER 1-1/4" BLACK
Bucktail: MF BUCKTAIL GRADE A BLACK
Dark Feathers: SPIRIT RIVER UV2 STRUNG SCHLAPPEN BLACK
Light Feathers: MFC BARRED SADDLE HACKLE GRAY/BLACK
Tail Flash: HAIRLINE POLAR FLASH OPAL MIRAGE
Accent Flash: HAIRLINE KRYSTAL FLASH SLIVER
Dubbing: NMF TITAN DUBBING UV BLACK GOLD
Rattle: HAIRLINE PLASTIC FLY RATTLE MEDIUM
Eyes: FISH SKULL LIVING EYES 15MM (5/8") WIND
Zap A Gap: BRUSH ON GLUE

[@fishhandsfranky]

Great video Dan. That thing looks dangerous!

[@BeyerOutdoors]

Nice! I bet it does great out on the water. I'll have to tie one sometime.

[@muskyfoolflyfishing]

it does! topwater is one of my favorite ways to fish!

[@ssm59]

Nice Tie Dan. Heading to LOTW to unleash the new Beast. Hopefully photos to follow

[@muskyfoolflyfishing]

Good luck fella! May it cast far and figure 8 strong!

[@NDFlyFisher]

Cool fly.
Couple suggestions.
First, black materials were hard to see against black shirt. I had trouble seeing what you were doing.
Second, when you hold up materials take a little more time showing the labels. A few times the packaging was not fully in the frame.
Finally, do you have those round heads in the shop?

[@muskyfoolflyfishing]

We noticed the black and black as soon as I finished the fly lol. Totally our fail! Good call on pausing! Thanks for the feedback. And yes - rainys foam cylinder!

[@juso95]

⁠​⁠@@muskyfoolflyfishingI think showing materials for the camera while tying is just a waste of time. You have an excellent photo of all materials used at the beginning, and waving materials in front of the camera just messes up tying and watching the video.