Paul's February 2013 Fly of the Month

Mayfly Cripple

Hook:  Tiemco TMC 100 or hook of choice, sizes 12 to 20.    

Thread:  Olive thread 8/0. 

Tail:  Brown or Amber Z-lon or Pheasant Tail Fibers.   

Rib:  Fine copper wire.  

Abdomen:  Pheasant Tail Fibers.

Thorax:  Olive or Chartreuse Superfine dubbing.  

Wing:   Deer hair or natural CDC feather.

Hackle:  Medium Dun dry fly hackle.

 

I don’t know if trout eat this fly because they think it’s actually crippled and easy prey.  Maybe it’s the pattern’s low profile in the surface film.  I just know it’s been working for me the past 30 years.  I also love using hot colors when I tie it.  I’ll use Chartreuse dubbing or a hot orange wing. 

 

Begin by applying a thread base across the hook shank.   Tie on your Z-lon or Pheasant Tail Fibers for your tail.  Next, tie in your fine copper wire for a rib.  Next, tie in more fibers for your abdomen.  Tie them in and wrap them forward similar to tying a Pheasant tail nymph.   Now rib the abdomen with fine copper wire.  Dub your thorax with Superfine Dubbing.  I love using Chartreuse regardless of the color of the natural on the water.  Next, tie in your CDC or Deer hair wing.  I tend to use a Deer hair wing for large imitations, CDC for medium and small flies.  When you tie the wing in, the Deer hair or CDC tips extend over the hook eye.  Tie the wing in just before the eye.  Next, tie in an undersized hackle feather.  Take only two (2) or three (3) wraps.  Remember, you want to make sure this fly has a “low” profile and is suspended in the surface film.
 

I’ve said time and time again over the years, that when your fishing the CT TMA’s, you often have to use a fly that’s different than the rest.  Fish get pounded constantly by fishermen and learn not to bite traditional patterns.  When there is a hatch of a particular insect over a few weeks, this is one of the patterns that offers something different to weary trout.

 

This fly can also be viewed at the Housatonic Fly Fishermen’s Association website at www.hffa.net .  If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of the Month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or e-mail me at pdinice@snet.net.