NymphBarr's Cranefly
Barr's Cranefly is John Barr's realistic imitation of cranefly larvae, one of the most underutilized food sources in trout streams. This substantial nymph pattern features a segmented body created with Thinskin over dubbing, producing the distinctive translucent appearance of natural cranefly larvae. The weighted design allows the fly to quickly reach the stream bottom where these oversized insects live among the detritus and debris.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases John Barr's talent for creating effective imitative patterns that fill overlooked niches in the trout's diet. Cranefly larvae are among the largest aquatic invertebrates available to trout, yet few anglers carry an effective imitation. The Thinskin body creates the segmented, semi-translucent look of the natural while the sow scud dubbing provides the fuzzy texture that makes these larvae so recognizable. The pattern should be tied in sizes 4-8 to match the substantial size of natural cranefly larvae.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 200R, #4
Thread: Danville 3/0 Monocord, olive
Weight: Lead Wire, .030"
Tail: Marabou, olive or tan
Rib: Mono/Tippet, 3X
Body: Thinskin, tan fly specks
Casing: Sow Scud Dubbing, olive or tan
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from spring through fall when cranefly larvae are active in the substrate. These insects are available year-round but are most accessible during higher water events that dislodge them from the bottom.
Presentation
Dead drift along the bottom using a high-stick or tight-line nymphing technique. Allow the weighted fly to tumble naturally through runs and riffles where cranefly larvae accumulate.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fishing during or after high water events, when targeting larger trout feeding subsurface, or when fishing water with abundant organic debris along the stream margins.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the slower runs, deep pools, and debris-laden areas where cranefly larvae thrive. Look for soft substrate areas with accumulated leaf litter and organic matter.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish as a point fly in a multi-fly nymph rig or as a single fly on a tight-line setup. Use adequate weight to keep the fly in the strike zone along the bottom. 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet provides strength for the larger hook size.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a subsurface pattern designed to sink quickly to the stream bottom. The tan coloration blends naturally with the substrate while the segmented body creates a lifelike silhouette.
