While fishing in the Shenandoah River for smallmouth bass, I am amazed at how many crayfish there are. Fly fishing with a crayfish pattern can be very productive for bass throughout the summer.
The Murray’s Crayfish continues to be on of our best crayfish patterns, producing many large bass every year, because it swims like a real crayfish. Fish these with a slow two inch darting action along the stream bottom where the cobblestones range from softball to basketball sizes. The goal is to get these to the bottom without making them sit on the bottom like an anchor. Don’t use too much weight. You’re best success will come when you find the right balance to get the fly to the bottom while still allowing it to drift. Swing nymphing or euro nymphing these flies through the ledges and cobblestones can produce hard strikes and exciting fishing.
We often recommend having a crayfish pattern in your fly box simply because they do not let us down. If you want more information on how to fish the crayfish, watch my video on fishing shiner minnows and crayfish patterns.
We offer fly fishing schools throughout the summer on the Shenandoah River. These start at 9a.m. at our fly shop in Edinburg VA. Fly rod and reel outfits are provided for the lessons. See our summer schedule.