Dry FliesLast Chance Cripple
The Last Chance Cripple is a delicate dry fly pattern designed to imitate an emerging mayfly struggling to escape its nymphal shuck. This makes it an irresistible target for trout feeding on the surface.
Spring, Summer
Advanced
Trout
Overview
Designed for flat water and finicky fish, this pattern uses a trailing shuck, spent or semi-spent wings, and a low-profile thorax. Often tied with CDC or snowshoe rabbit for flotation, it imitates crippled or emerging mayflies.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XC110BL-BN, #14-#20
Thread: Gray Veevus 14/0
Tail: Woodduck or Woodduck Mallard Flank
Shuck: Brown Olive Nature's Spirit Emergence Dubbing
Body: Olive Dun Magpie Turkey Biot
Glue: Zap A Gap Brush
Thorax: BWO Superfine Dubbing
Wing: Natural or Dun CDC
Hackle: Blue Dun Hackle Rooster Cape
Tweezer: Renomed FT-4
Fishing Tips
Season
The Last Chance Cripple is most effective in Spring and Summer, when mayfly hatches are most common.
Presentation
Cast this fly upstream and let it drift down naturally. The struggling cripple imitation is most effective when the fly is allowed to drift freely.
When to Use
Use the Last Chance Cripple during a mayfly hatch, when you observe fish feeding on the surface. It can be especially effective in the evening, when many mayfly species tend to hatch.
Water Type
This pattern is effective in both stillwater and moving water.
Rigging Suggestions
The Last Chance Cripple is usually fished alone, on a light tippet. It can also be used as the dry fly in a dry-dropper setup.
Visibility & Floatation
The Last Chance Cripple is designed to float on the surface, with the shuck and body partially submerged to imitate a struggling mayfly. The deer hair wing and hackle help to keep it afloat, and also make it highly visible.
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