StreamersDirty Hippy
The Dirty Hippy is Charlie Craven's signature streamer pattern that he developed after a trip to the Missouri River in Craig, Montana. This pattern represents a departure from typical Woolly Bugger variations, featuring a more sparsely tied, realistic baitfish profile. The combination of Arctic fox fur, tan marabou wing, and hand-barred coloration creates an irresistible streamer that has become a proven fish catcher.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases the effectiveness of sparse, realistic baitfish profiles over bulky traditional streamers. The name "Dirty Hippy" comes from Charlie's wife, whom he affectionately describes as a "tree huggin', liberal-minded" soul. The pattern uses a combination of Arctic fox fur for the belly and collar with tan marabou for the wing, creating natural movement and a lifelike silhouette. The hand-applied Prismacolor marker barring in sepia and orange adds realistic coloration that mimics the natural patterns found on baitfish and sculpins.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 5263, #4
Thread: Danville 3/0 Monocord, tan
Cone: Brass Cone, large, copper
Weight: Lead Wire, .025"
Flash: Flashabou, gold, copper, and pearl
Belly: Arctic Fox or Temple Fox, cream
Wing: Marabou, tan
Collar: Arctic Fox, bonefish tan
Face: UV Ice Dubbing, tan
Eyes: Adhesive Holographic Eyes, 3/16", gold
Adhesive: Tear Mender
Marker: Prismacolor Marker, sepia and orange (for barring)
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness, but particularly productive when fish are actively feeding on baitfish.
Presentation
Cast across or downstream and retrieve with varied strips. The sparse materials provide excellent movement in the water, pulsing with each strip.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fish are keyed in on baitfish or when you want a more realistic streamer profile than traditional patterns provide. Excellent for prospecting deeper runs and pools.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the deeper pools, runs, and undercut banks where predatory trout ambush prey. The weighted cone head helps the fly get down quickly in faster currents.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 5-7 weight rod with a sink-tip or full sinking line for deeper presentations. Use 2X-3X fluorocarbon tippet for abrasion resistance and reduced visibility.
Visibility & Floatation
The tan and cream coloration creates a natural baitfish silhouette while the gold flash and copper cone provide attraction. The hand-barred markings add realism that helps trigger strikes from wary fish.
