While the crayfish is not really a hatch, it is a major food source for trout and smallmouth bass all over the East and West. One morning while on the river testing my chest high waders, I was astounded at the number of naturals that rushed along the stream bottom. Wade down the river 50ft out from the bank where the water is 1-3ft deep. Cast straight into the bank and strip your fly 4-inches every 5 seconds to fish it out 20ft. Then take a few steps downstream and repeat this technique. Many of our students in our fly fishing lessons have great success with these patterns.
Fly Patterns
- Murray’s Crayfish, Olive or Brown size 6 or 10
- Clouser Crayfish, Olive size 6 or Dark Brown Turkey size 8, 10
- Standard Crayfish
I rely heavily on these patterns from April to November not only in Virginia but on many streams throughout the United States. One year while on the Missouri River, I was sitting on the bank waiting for my son, Jeff, to float down to me. I was astounded at how many naturals were around the cobblestone steam bottom. Thus, this provided some wonderful fishing for us.
Watch a short video from Harry Murray