Dry FliesLucky B
The Lucky B is Charlie Craven's hyper-realistic yellow jacket imitation that took nearly thirty years to develop from concept to finished pattern. This elaborate terrestrial features an articulated foam extended body built on a needle with a distinct wasp waist formed by monofilament, barred sexi-floss legs for lifelike movement, a dubbed thorax, and mixed-color polypropylene macrame yarn wings set in a characteristic V shape. The final detailing is done with Copic markers for a startlingly realistic appearance.
Summer, Fall
Advanced
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents the culmination of decades of observation and development. Charlie notes that during his guiding days, stomach pumping revealed a single yellow jacket in nearly every trout's belly during summer months. The pattern uses an innovative foam extended body construction built on a sewing needle, with a poly yarn and superglue core that allows the body to slide off the needle. The stout monofilament articulation point creates the distinctive wasp waist between abdomen and thorax that makes this pattern so convincing. The mixed-color polypropylene wings and Copic marker detailing complete the hyper-realistic presentation.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2487, #16
Thread: UNI 8/0, yellow
Butt: McFlylon (yellow) and Thin Fly Foam 3mm (yellow)
Connector: 0X Tippet
Legs: Sexi-Legs, barred amber small
Body: Thin Fly Foam 3mm, yellow
Thorax: Superfine Dubbing, black
Wing: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, yellow tan rust grey black
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during summer and early fall when yellow jackets, wasps, and bees are most active around streams and lakes. Peak effectiveness from late June through September.
Presentation
Cast tight to structure, banks, and overhanging vegetation where stinging insects might fall into the water. Dead drift with occasional twitches to suggest a struggling insect trapped in the surface film.
When to Use
Select this pattern on warm summer days when trout are looking up for terrestrials. Particularly effective during windy conditions when insects are blown onto the water, or around areas with visible wasp or bee activity.
Water Type
Effective in both moving water and stillwater. Works well in meadow streams, slower pools, and lakes where terrestrial insects commonly fall on the surface.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 4X-5X tippet for delicate presentations. The articulated design provides excellent flotation but apply floatant sparingly to the foam body.
Visibility & Floatation
The fly floats low with the abdomen and legs dangling below the surface while the wings protrude above in an easily recognizable V shape. The yellow and black coloration provides excellent visibility for both fish and angler.
