Frank G. Swarner III 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2015 I like to nymph with these flies as cranefly larvae, then let them swing into shore where it can double as a micro minnow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piker20 0 Report post Posted March 23, 2015 I can see how they score across the depths and dead drift or pulled. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Hat 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2015 I like those Frank. They have a unique attractiveness and appear versatile as you have stated. What size do you commonly tie these? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frank G. Swarner III 0 Report post Posted March 31, 2015 4x long streamer hook in 8, 10, 12. Tail is barred chickabou Ribbing is 2lb monofilament abdomen and thorax are aunt lydias sparkle yarn shellback is mottled nymph skin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Hat 0 Report post Posted April 1, 2015 Cool. Thank you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tim Shovel 0 Report post Posted April 1, 2015 Nice flies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tightlines83 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2018 I like those. I really like the that versatility in fly patterns. It beats re-tying to try a spot real quick before leaving a pool Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
utyer 0 Report post Posted December 20, 2018 For someone starting out, this is a very easy pattern. The crane flies are the largest members of the midge family, and they are effective in most tail waters and other streams with fluctuations in the water level. After rains they get washed out of the stream banks, and are a favorite food source then. Just on a size 4 to 10 4 xlong hook, tie in a tail from the fluffy base of any gray feather. Tie in some cream-tan or light gray (almost white,) yarn and some mono, or wire for the rib. Wrap the yarn up the shank, and rib with the mono line or wire. Simply darken the front 10% with a brown or black marker. You can add a few marks on the back but I don't usually do that. The general color of these larvae is in the gray to tan with some places having light olive-gray populations. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites