Fly Pattern: MJ's Swingin' Freight Train

For years now, Randall Kaufmann's Freight Train has been swung through the green waters of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon with great success.

Anglers know the fly by its distinctive purple and orange floss and sparse dressing. Summer steelhead know it as an irrisistible, if dangerous, staple of their watery environment, especially through the months of July and August.


Even though Kaufmann's original pattern is very modern in its angular lines, sparse dressing, and choice of few materials, Matt "MJ" Jones offers a pattern with softer lines and a more traditional feel to construct a fly that looks a bit more gaudy than Maupin is used to seeing on the end of a leader.


MJ's Swingin' Freight Train >>
Hook >> Tiemco TMC 7999, size 4
Thread >> Wapsi UTC 140 Denier Ultra Thread, orange, pink, green, and black
Ribbing >> Wapsi Silver oval tinsel, size medium
Tail >> Purple Chinese saddle hackle from Spirit River
Body >> Black Ultra Chenille from Spirit River
Collar >> Purple Chinese saddle hackle from Spirit River
Wing (optional) >> White calf hair from Spirit River


Evan LeBon is a regular contributor to beyondthebug.com

flies tied by Matt "MJ" Jones, a regular contributor to beyondthebug.com

photos by Josh L. Frazier