Midge / EmergersLil Bit
The Lil Bit is Charlie Craven's diminutive nymph pattern that packs big fish appeal into a tiny package. Featuring a sleek Veevus Body Quill body with UV resin casing and Coq De Leon hen saddle legs, this pattern creates a realistic mayfly nymph profile that fools selective trout in technical waters.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases the effectiveness of modern materials in creating small, durable nymphs. The Veevus Body Quill serves double duty as both thread and body material, creating a smooth segmented appearance. The UV resin casing adds durability and a subtle sheen that mimics the natural translucency of emerging mayfly nymphs. The Coq De Leon hen saddle provides natural-looking speckled fibers for both tail and legs.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488, #18-22
Thread: Veevus Body Quill, brown
Bead: Tungsten, 1.5mm, brown
Tail: Coq De Leon Hen Saddle
Body: Veevus Body Quill, brown
Casing: Solarez UV Resin, medium
Legs: Coq De Leon Hen Saddle
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness, particularly deadly during BWO hatches and when fish are keyed in on small mayfly nymphs.
Presentation
Dead drift near the bottom on a long, light tippet. The small size and realistic profile excel when fish are being selective and refusing larger patterns.
When to Use
Select this pattern when trout are feeding subsurface on small mayflies or when larger nymphs are getting refused. An excellent choice for technical tailwaters and spring creeks where fish see a lot of pressure.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the slower pools and runs where trout have time to inspect their food carefully. Excellent for tailwaters and spring creeks.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 5X-7X fluorocarbon tippet as a dropper below a larger nymph or beneath a small dry fly. The tiny tungsten bead helps get the pattern into the feeding lane without adding excessive weight.
Visibility & Floatation
The brown coloration and slim profile create a natural silhouette. The UV resin casing catches light subtly, adding attraction without appearing unnatural.
