StreamersCowbell Cray
The Cowbell Cray is an articulated crayfish pattern that delivers exceptional realism through a combination of specialized materials and advanced construction techniques. This two-piece design features a detailed rear section with Thinskin back, India hen claws, and prominent orange resin eyes, connected via dacron backing to a heavily weighted front section. The articulated joint creates the distinctive defensive posture and escape movements that trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish.
Year Round
Advanced
Trout, Bass, Carp
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents the pinnacle of articulated crayfish imitation. The two-hook design allows the fly to articulate naturally as it tumbles along the bottom, closely mimicking the defensive posture of a crayfish when threatened. The olive Thinskin back provides the segmented carapace appearance while the India hen claws extend defensively when the fly is stripped. The tungsten cone on the front section ensures the fly rides hook point up and quickly reaches the feeding zone where crayfish live.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook (Rear): Gamakatsu Octopus, #6, black or blue
Hook (Front): Tiemco 9395
Thread: Magpie 72D, olive dun
Mouth Parts: Nature's Spirit Pheasant Tail, olive dyed, and Goose Biots, olive
Eyes (Crayfish): Solarez Color Resin, orange
Back: Thinskin, mottled bustard olive
Rib: UTC Wire, small, olive or brassie
Dubbing: Craw Dub, olive
Claws: India Hen Back, olive
Legs: Nymph Sili Legs, olive barred
Hackle: Metz Bugger Bunch Hackle, olive dyed grizzly
Joint: Dacron Backing, 20 lb
Cone: Tungsten Cone, large, black
Front Legs: Rabbit Strips, olive
Adhesive: Zap-A-Gap
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness wherever crayfish are present. Most productive from spring through fall when crayfish are actively molting and moving in the water column.
Presentation
Fish with a strip-pause retrieve along the bottom, allowing the articulated design to impart lifelike action. The weighted front section keeps the fly in the strike zone while the rear articulates enticingly.
When to Use
Select this pattern when targeting fish in crayfish-rich waters, particularly trout, smallmouth bass, and carp. Excellent for probing rocky structure, undercut banks, and areas with abundant crayfish habitat.
Water Type
Effective in both moving water and stillwater where crayfish populations exist. Focus on rocky substrates, riprap, and areas with cover where crayfish congregate.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 6-8 weight rod with floating or sink-tip line depending on water depth. Use 2X-3X fluorocarbon tippet for abrasion resistance around rocks and structure.
Visibility & Floatation
The tungsten cone ensures the fly sinks quickly and rides hook point up. The olive coloration blends naturally with crayfish habitat while the orange resin eyes provide a subtle accent that catches the attention of feeding fish.
