So ugly

[DUBBN]

Can anyting be more ugly than flyfishing (nymphing) with a size 6 Cranefly Larva?

They work about two times a year. The Squirmy material used for the body will break down before I use all four. If using EBT funds were needed to use a pattern, this is the pattern to tie.

[letumgo]

So “bugly“, in a very good way.

What signs/conditions do you look for, to know when to fish these?

[DUBBN]

So “bugly“, in a very good way.

What signs/conditions do you look for, to know when to fish these?

Ray, upstream flooding. Anything that can wash away the bank and release these in the river system.

[Roadkill]

Great imitation!!

[letumgo]

Thanks Wayne.

[RickA]

Very nice, Wayne.
Those patterns have saved my butt more than once on blown out systems.
Dai-Riki #270?

[DUBBN]

Very nice, Wayne.
Those patterns have saved my butt more than once on blown out systems.
Dai-Riki #270?

Thanks Rick. The hook is the Umpqua U203. Same thing. Do you tie the same pattern?

[Fishnkilts]

So this fly could possibly be another fly good for our runoff here in Colorado?

I must try it.

[DUBBN]

So this fly could possibly be another fly good for our runoff here in Colorado?

I must try it.

My buddy that lives in Westminster pounds the fish at Deckers, and Shadow Mountain with this pattern. During peak runoff. Its been a winner for over 5 years.

I use this pattern now on the Roaring Fork. If there is 8 inches of visibility I can catch alot of trout with it, and large dark Stone nymphs like the Wild Bill Stone Nymph, Montana Prince, 20 inchers, or size 10 Black Woolly Buggers.

The other time this pattern shines is in the dead of Winter when large ice dams form and then break on the Roaring Fork. When those dams break they tear up alot of earth and dirt releasing these turd looking larva in to the river.

There are other Cranefly Larva patterns out there that work. I just enjoy tying and using this one.

[RickA]

I've been busy the last few days but keep going back to Waynes "ugly".
I found a crane larva pattern hanging in a tree along a limestone stream in central Pa. several years ago.
It didn't look like much but I stuck it in my box and forgot about it.
While on another trip the river was blown out and out of desperation, I tied it on.
To this day, there's always some tucked in the box.
Everything from chenille, latex, jelly rope, and a beefed up Vladi pattern all produce in the right conditions.
So Wayne, what color and brand is the squirmy stuff you used. Did you swipe it with a marker?
Just curious 'cause I love the color... you nailed it.