Barbus BPH Tan — Huchen Streamer

Barbus BPH Tan is a huchen streamer developed for rivers with sandy or gravel bottoms, where small fish blend into the background and subtle natural colours can be more effective than sharp contrast. Its tan-and-brown palette fits these conditions and retains a realistic prey profile. We first used this shade in flies for Mongolian taimen, where it represented lenok. It later proved equally effective for huchen, and a friend accurately pointed out that it also looks very much like a barbel. The natural profile and balanced action work especially well in moderate current. It does not flash or force the issue; sometimes that very 'invisibility' is its greatest advantage. Weighted versions are available for deep channels, fast current and winter fishing close to the bottom.
 
Specifications:
COLOUR: Barbus BPH Tan
MODEL: Single Hook
LENGTH: approx. 15–18 cm
ROD WEIGHT: #8–10 AFTMA, ideally #9
WEIGHTING: select from the available options; a Cheburashka weight is recommended for spinning
CONSTRUCTION: 95% Snow Runner (Nayat), 5% Pike Terror Flash custom blend
UV ACTIVITY: No
HOOK: Traper SW40, Ahrex TP610 or Ahrex PR320
METHOD: fly fishing / spinning
TARGET SPECIES: huchen, taimen and the largest trout
 
Construction and action
 
The fly casts lightly and accurately, comfortably even on a #8 rod; the larger sizes are best matched with #9–10 tackle.
 
It sheds water quickly during false casting and collapses into a slim projectile. In the water it opens, pulses and produces a strong but natural signal.
 
It looks large in the water while remaining light and easy to cast. It does not need exaggerated animation, although a stronger hand movement can make it react with an unexpectedly irregular kick.
 
The construction is designed for fly tackle but also works very well with spinning gear, particularly when fished with a Cheburashka weight.
 
It is also an effective pike fly that works straight away, without overcomplicating the presentation.