PMD Cripple

Created by Mike Lawson

HOOK: TMC 100, size 16 THREAD: Pale yellow SHUCK: Marabou to match body color RIB: Fine copper wire ABODOMEN: Wrapped pheasant tail fibers THORAX: Pale yellow Superfine WING: Light deer hair HACKLE: Light dun

Uses

"Cripple" patterns represent mayflies that are either just emerging or that got stuck in the shuck while emerging. In either case, the insect isn't going anywhere soon. Trout recognize this vulnerable condition and feed eagerly on cripples when they see them. When you're confronted with a blizzard hatch, where your fly is one small speck among hundreds or thousands of natural insects, a cripple pattern is a great way to induce trout to take your fake.

 
Use this pattern during hatches of pale morning dun mayflies.

How to Fish

Dress the front half of the fly (only) with floatant and use standard dry fly presentations.