Callibaetis Cripple

Created by Bob Quigley

HOOK: 1X Fine wire, Standard shank, Turned-Down eye; e.g., TMC 100 or equivalent; sizes 12-18 THREAD: Gray TAIL: Tan or light gray Z-lon or hen hackle tip cut with V-notch at rear BODY: Gray or tan turkey biot THORAX: Gray rabbit WING: Tan deer hair HACKLE: Grizzly

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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.

This pattern matches emerging and crippled Callibaetis mayflies, a common hatch on stillwaters.

Variations

Callibaetis mayflies begin hatching in May and continue to hatch through September. As the season progresses, they become smaller and darker. Flies should be tied to match the bug of the month.

How to Fish

Dress the front half of the fly (only) with floatant and use the chuck-and-sit presentation.

Fly Views

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