Duke Nukem Frog

Edition: September, 2026
Written by: Jason Hochstetler
Photographed By: Jason Hochstetler
Video: Duke Nukem Frog
DUKE NUKEM FROG
I am not certain of the origins of this pattern, so I cannot give the original tier the credit that they deserve. This has been one of my go-to flies this season for largemouth bass. The Duke Nukem frog is easy to tie, highly adaptable (size and color-wise) and is very durable. It takes the beating that the pan fish and smaller bass throw at it and it keeps on fishing. The resin covered head is a key feature and adds an audible plop or splat when the fly lands on the water. It brings the fish looking for whatever made the noise.
FISHING THE DUKE NUKEM FROG
I mostly cast this fly tight to weed lines and let it sit still for 30 or 40 seconds before beginning a slow strip retrieve to swim the fly around the vegetation. A longer strip will pull the fly partially under the surface of the water and it will float back to the top when at rest.
MATERIALS
Hook: TMC 8089 Size 2-6
Thread: UNI 210 in green
Tail: Green marabou and silly legs
Body: 2MM closed cell foam in green and yellow cut to the width of the hook gap
Front legs: Silly legs, your choice of color
Eyes: 6MM living eyes or doll eyes
Head: Coated with UV resin or clear Gorilla glue
Click HERE for the Duke Nukem Frog Recipe
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