Flies for the North
BY SCOTT CURRIE
For Wild Northerner
The abundant crayfish is one of the most enjoyed treats on the menu for smallmouth. I wanted to come up with a pattern that strikes a balance between one that fishes effectively, yet is still be a quick and simple tie. With how and where the smallmouth feed on these critters in mind, the pattern was tied with materials to get it down quick to intercept fish cruising the margins, and also easily glide snaggers free across rocky bottoms.
Recipe
HOOK- Partridge uni predator 2/0
SHANK- flymen articulated shank 25mm
CLAWS – Craw orange rabbit strips
BODY- Flybox dragon eye fritz over lead wire on shank
EYES - Large presentation eyes
RIB – Rust d-rib medium
TOPPING – Thin skin brown or tan
FEELY THINGS – Silli legs live blue
Stage 1
Tie the dumbbells on the underside of the hook bend.
Stage 2
On the opposite side to the hook, bend tie in the dumbbells followed by a pair rabbit strips and a few Silli legs. Be sure to tie these in on each side of the hook shank.
STAGE 3
Tie in the fritz around the eyes and finish of at the head.
STAGE 4
Attach the shank and pop her in the vise, . Lay down a body of thread followed by the lead wire. A wee tip is to cross back and forth a couple times to cover the wraps, as this will pervent materials slipping in.
Stage 5
Tie in the d-rib and fritz to extend out the end of the shank, and then, in tight wraps, bring the fritz up to just short of the head. . Take your strip of foam and secure it tightly in place with your d-rib, which is tied, then tied off under the tail, and finish with a few half hitches or whip finish and cement.