NymphJumbo Juju
The Jumbo Juju is a large stonefly nymph pattern that applies Charlie Craven's signature Super Hair body construction to a bigger profile for imitating giant stonefly nymphs. This robust pattern features a white brass or tungsten bead, lead wire for additional weight, a Super Hair body with brown and orange strands, a black dubbed thorax, and a dual wing case system using opal mirage tinsel and Thinskin. The UV resin coating adds durability and a realistic sheen.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases his innovative Super Hair body construction scaled up for larger stonefly imitations. The Jumbo Juju uses the same proven techniques as the Jujubaetis but with a longer hook and larger materials to target trout feeding on giant stonefly nymphs. The combination of brown and orange Super Hair strands creates realistic segmentation and color variation. The dual wing case system with opal mirage tinsel underneath Thinskin adds flash and a realistic wing pad appearance.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Daiichi 1760, #12-18
Bead: Brass (or Tungsten) Bead 7/64", white
Weight: Lead Wire, .010
Thread: UTC 70 Denier, white (body), Veevus 8/0, black (thorax)
Body: Super Hair, brown (3 strands) and orange (2 strands)
Thorax: Superfine Dubbing, black
Casing: Mirage Tinsel, opal medium
Overwing: Thinskin
Glue: Solarez UV Resin, medium
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring and summer when large stonefly nymphs are active and migrating toward shore for emergence. Peak effectiveness from March through July depending on location.
Presentation
Fish tight to banks, in riffles, and around structure where stonefly nymphs naturally migrate. Use a dead drift near the bottom, as stonefly nymphs are poor swimmers and tumble along the substrate.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fishing waters with healthy stonefly populations, particularly during pre-emergence periods. The larger profile makes it an excellent choice when trout are keyed in on the bigger food items.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly freestone streams with rocky, well-oxygenated riffles where stoneflies thrive. Effective in pocket water, runs, and along cobbled banks where nymphs congregate before emerging.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a euro nymph rig or under an indicator with 3X-4X tippet. The built-in weight from the bead and lead wire gets the fly down quickly. Can be fished as a single fly or as the point fly in a two-nymph rig.
Visibility & Floatation
The white bead and opal mirage tinsel provide flash that helps attract fish in faster, deeper water. The substantial weight ensures the pattern gets into the strike zone quickly.
