Fly Fishing Authority Tom Murray Has Died

Eminent sea-run Cutthroat trout fly-fishing authority and fly pattern creator, Tom Murray, passed away on May 8th, 2025. Tom was widely acclaimed for his knowledge of fly-fishing the salt water beaches for sea-run Cutt’s.

Tom Murray at home in Union Bay, BC Source: Rory Glennie

In 1974, Tom created his now globally celebrated, Murray’s Rolled Muddler fly pattern. Perhaps it is best to have Tom tell us in his own words how that came about. “The Rolled Muddler is one of those flies that evolved because I was looking for a pattern that imitated our local saltwater beach stickleback. The fish is quite small, about one to one-and-a-half inches in length, has a silver-white belly, speckled sides and a greenish blue to brown back. The natural mallard flank feather was chosen for a wing because, after trial and error, it was consistently the most successful. A coloured wing on the fly such as blue, green or brown just did not get as many hits. Because size was critical and I was retrieving just sub-surface, the best hook choice was the Mustad #9671 size 12 streamer hook.” – excerpt from The Gilly, ISBN: 0889256381.

Original Rolled Muddler Tied by Tom Murray. Source: Rory Glennie

As a Founding Father of the Comox Valley Fly Fishers Club, Tom Murray was instrumental in its formation in 1994.

Some thirty years later, in tribute to Tom’s outstanding contribution to fly-fishing, Murray’s Rolled Muddler was adopted as the official fly pattern of the Comox Valley Flyfishers Club. A likeness of that fly is depicted on club business cards and other official items. The club’s fly pattern collection contains a cherished artifact; an original fly and handwritten pattern recipe by Tom on a 3”X5” card shown here.

Original Rolled Muddler Attached to Handwritten Fly Pattern Recipe Card Source: Rory Glennie

Those who knew or fished with Tom Murray will sense the great loss to our fly-fishing community with his passing. Tom was a quiet, respectful man who gladly offered helpful encouragement whenever he encountered a fellow fly-fisher struggling with fishing off the beach.

Thank you, Tom, for your direction and for all the hope you have given us for all these many years.

Sea-run Cutthroat Trout Hooked on a Rolled Muddler. Source: Rory Glennie

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