Dry FliesDrake Mackerel Cripple
The Drake Mackerel Cripple is a cripple-style emerger designed to imitate Brown Drakes and other large mayflies during emergence. The grizzly hackle dyed brown creates the mottled "mackerel" appearance, while the Widow's Web wing and trailing shuck complete the crippled mayfly profile. This pattern excels when fish key on struggling emergers during heavy hatches.
Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Drake Mackerel Cripple was developed at Blue Ribbon Flies to target selective trout during Brown Drake and Hex hatches. The "mackerel" pattern hackle refers to the barred appearance of grizzly hackle dyed brown, which mimics the mottled coloration of large mayfly wings. The emergence dubbing body creates a buggy, realistic profile.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488 or Umpqua U201, #12
Thread: Uni-Thread, 8/0, tan
Shuck: Crinkled Zelon, mayfly brown
Body: Emergence Dubbing, tan
Rib: Uni-Stretch Nylon or Pearsall's Silk Floss, brown
Wing: Widow's Web or EP Fibers, silver grey
Hackle: Grizzly dyed brown dry fly hackle
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from late May through July during Brown Drake, Gray Drake, and Hexagenia hatches. Peak activity typically occurs in the evening and after dark for larger drakes.
Presentation
Dead drift in the film near rising fish. Position the fly in foam lines and current seams where crippled emergers naturally collect. The larger profile allows fishing in choppier water than smaller emergers.
When to Use
Best during heavy drake emergences when fish become selective. Try when fish refuse fully emerged dun patterns but continue rising steadily to emergers in the film.
Water Type
Ideal for slow-moving rivers, spring creeks, and the slow sections of freestone streams where large mayfly emergences occur. Particularly effective in tail-outs and pools.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X tippet. The larger hook size allows heavier tippet than smaller emergers. Apply floatant to wing and hackle only.
Visibility & Floatation
The silver-grey wing provides excellent visibility in low light conditions typical of drake hatches. Rides low in the film with the shuck trailing below the surface.
