Dry FliesAdams Cripple
The Adams Cripple combines the proven Adams color scheme with a cripple-style design that imitates a mayfly struggling to emerge. The trailing Zelon shuck represents the nymphal case while the upright wing and hackle suggest an adult unable to fully escape. This transitional silhouette often outperforms standard dries during selective feeding.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Adams Cripple was developed to target fish feeding on crippled and stillborn mayflies during heavy hatches. The mixed brown and grizzly hackle creates the classic Adams coloration that matches a wide range of mayfly species. This pattern bridges the gap between emerger and dry fly fishing, making it effective when fish refuse standard patterns.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 100 or Umpqua U001, #14-18
Thread: Uni-Thread, 8/0, black
Shuck: Crinkled Zelon, mayfly brown
Body: Superfine Dubbing, Adams grey
Wing: EP Fibers, white
Hackle: Brown and grizzly dry fly hackle, mixed
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective throughout mayfly season from March through October. Particularly productive during Pale Morning Dun, Blue-Winged Olive, and general mayfly hatches.
Presentation
Dead drift in the surface film. Position the fly in feeding lanes where crippled insects naturally collect. Fish it slightly slower than the current to mimic a struggling insect.
When to Use
Best during active hatches when fish are being selective. Try when standard Adams or comparadun patterns are refused. Excellent during heavy emergences when many cripples are present.
Water Type
Most effective in moderate-flow sections where crippled insects accumulate. Excellent in tailouts, seams, and slower runs during hatches.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-12 foot leader with 5X-6X tippet. Keep the leader dressed with floatant except the last few inches to help the shuck break the surface.
Visibility & Floatation
Rides low in the surface film with the shuck trailing below. White EP wing provides excellent visibility. Floats well but may require occasional drying and redressing.
