Tying a Callibaetis Cruncher Fishing Fly

Fishing BC lakes for Kamloops rainbows is a bucket list item for us. In general, there are several important categories of bugs for lakes: chironomids, callibaetis, damsels, scuds, and small baitfish. Mr Rowley and Mr Chan are stillwater jedi’s. The Cruncher is a favorite callibaetis of Mr Rowley. Here’s our take on the fly.

Tying Notes:

• The body is traditionally tied using a few barbs of a turkey tail feather. The mottling on these feathers is very good. Alternatively, pheasant tail barbs work very well.
• To increase durability, add a think layer of super glue prior to wrapping the turkey barbs
• Tying in a soft hackle feather always seems to go better when tying off a bare stem. This does, however, take some additional time to prep the feather ahead of time. Tie a few each way and see if the extra time is worth it.

Recipe:

• Hook: Standard nymph hook, sizes 12-16. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-KBSN.html
• Bead: Optional
• Thread: SEMPERFLI Nano Silk 50D (12/0), grey. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SNS12.html
• Tail: Cascade Crest Speckled Hen Backs, Olive. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-CCSPKHEN.html
• Rib 1: SEMPERFLI Tying Wire 0.1mm (Extra Fine), Silver. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-STWXF.html
• Rib 2: Cascade Crest Flat Mylar Pearl Tinsel, Small. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-CCMYPT.html
• Body: 4-6 barbs from a turkey tail feather. You can also use pheasant tail fibers, Ginger or Olive: https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-CCPHT.html
• Thorax: Peacock Herl or synthetic peacock dubbing. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SSCUD.html
• Soft Hackle: Cascade Crest Speckled Hen Backs, Olive. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-CCSPKHEN.html