Big Fish Theory and Musky Fly Design with Joe Goodspeed
Published: 11th December 2025 | Author: Fulling Mill
If you are interested in musky fly fishing and talking fly tying and design, this video is for you. We sat down with Signature Tyer Joe Goodspeed to talk musky theory and learn to tie his top musky fly pattern—the Musky Commander.
Joe demonstrate how to tie the Musky Commander and shares tons of insight into the fly’s design. Throughout the process, Joe dives deep into musky behavior and big fish theory. This is easily the most in-depth fly-tying video we have ever put out. Joe explains what makes the Musky Commander so successful and why it fools large adult muskies.
Joe shares his advice based on his musky fishing experience over the years. Learn about where you need to be fishing, fly sellection and presentation. Joe knows big, late-season muskies on the fly, so tune in and take notes!
Throughout the video…
Joe delves into musky behavior and offers perspectives on musky fishing that aren’t often discussed. Joe walks us through the steps on how to tie the fly and discusses how each material has been thoughtfully chosen to serve a purpose throughout the fly design process. The Musky Commander fly has been refined over the last decade and is largely characterized by its streamlined head shape, using Goop glue.
Joe explains how his pattern not only looks, but feels more realistic to large, adult muskies, which triggers more bites. Not to mention, it’s easier to cast all day than bulkier musky patterns. Creating lifelike forage imitations of fallfish, walleye, and suckers isn’t easy, but Joe has put in the time and effort. Not only does the Musky Commander platform catch big fish, but it holds up to big muskies on the fly. When done right, his flies can withstand the brutal blow of 20+ adult muskies—not every musky fly pattern can tout that.
No matter how experienced you are at chasing muskies and other large predatory fish, we are certain there is something in this video for you. Joe shares stories and reflects on big fish from years past, demonstrating how every step & material in his flies serves a purpose.
Watch The Full Video
About Joe Goodspeed
Joe Goodspeed has been working in the fly fishing industry since 2008. First, he was a fly line producer, and now he’s a fly rod developer. He’s responsible for designing some of the best euro nymphing rods available on the market today. Joe is an exceptional subsurface fly angler—whether that be nymphs or streamers—and has an incredibly analytical mind when it comes to fly design. Every single component of his flies is added with intention, and there’s nothing extra.
Check out Joe’s Signature Flies
Joe designs his flies to be durable so that you can catch fish after fish without them taking too much wear. Joe’s Mini Cray is one of his most well-known patterns, but he has several others that you absolutely should check out, including the Stunt Mouse, Private Stocked Stoneflies, and ESP Caddis.
Tie Your Own Musky Flies?
If you enjoy tying musky flies like bufords, changers, and bulkhead decievers, check out our range of fly tying materials.
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