We’re nearing the end of July and that means crayfish frenzies are starting in Sweden. They become the staple food for both perch and zander in a lot of our lakes, especially the ones with a lot of structure and hard bottoms. During the late summer the crayfish are shedding their shells, and therefor becomes vulnerable to predators. This fly is meant to emulate a fleeing crayfish, with some extra movement to trigger strikes from even the most stubborn fish. This pattern is heavily inspired by Blane Chocklett’s Changer Craw, but with Scandinavian predators in mind. Scale down the hook, shank and weight size and you’ll have a killer pattern for trout as well.
Materials used:
- Hook: Ahrex – SA210 – Bob Clouser Signature S/E #1
- Shanks: 2x ARTICULATED FISH-SPINE – 20MM
- Glue: Zap-a-Gap Thread: Textreme – PowerThread Medium – 100 Den. – Black
- Head: Nature’s Spirit – Deer Belly Hair – Black, Palmer Chenille Medium – Black
- Eyes: Easy Shrimp Eyes – Glow in the dark
- Claws: Magnum Zonker 5 mm – Black or Purple
- Antennas: Sili Legs – Fire Tip Black/Purple
- Body: Whiting – American Hen Saddle – Black, Palmer Chenille Medium – Black
- Weight: Fish Skull – Shrimp & Cray Tail Large – Silver