Dry FliesMr. Jones Cranefly Dry
The Mr. Jones Cranefly Dry is an articulated cranefly imitation featuring a realistic extended foam body connected to the hook with monofilament. This innovative two-part design creates the long, delicate profile of adult craneflies while maintaining excellent floatation. The pattern uses bleached moose body hair wings for visibility and Sexi Floss legs that provide the characteristic spindly appearance craneflies are known for.
Summer, Fall
Advanced
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box demonstrates an advanced articulated construction technique for creating realistic cranefly imitations. The two-part design separates the extended body from the hook, allowing for a more natural profile and movement on the water. The foam body provides excellent buoyancy while the monofilament connector allows the extended body to move independently. The brown McFlylon underbody beneath the foam creates depth and color variation, while Copic markers add subtle segmentation and realistic coloring. The bleached moose body hair wings give the fly visibility and suggest the delicate wings of natural craneflies.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2487, #12
Thread: Veevus 8/0, tan
Thread 2: Nanosilk 18/0 (Semperfli), brick beige
Underbody: McFlylon, brown
Body: Thin Fly Foam, cinnamon
Back: Thin Fly Foam, cinnamon
Body Connector: Monofilament, 01X
Glue: Zap A Gap
Wing: Moose Body Hair, bleached
Legs: Sexi Floss (barred small), amber
Thorax: Superfine Dubbing, cinnamon caddis
Marker: Copic Markers
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during summer and early fall when adult craneflies are abundant. Peak activity typically occurs on overcast days and during evening hours when craneflies are most active near the water.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift or subtle twitch to suggest a struggling cranefly on the water surface. The articulated design creates natural movement that can trigger explosive strikes from opportunistic trout.
When to Use
Select this pattern when you observe craneflies on or near the water, or when trout are rising to larger terrestrial insects. Particularly effective on streams and rivers bordered by grassy banks and riparian vegetation where craneflies are common.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly slower pools, eddies, and bank-side runs where craneflies naturally fall into the water. The high-floating design handles moderate currents well.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 4X-5X tippet. The larger profile benefits from slightly heavier tippet to turn over the fly properly. Consider using a reach cast to achieve drag-free drifts along structure.
Visibility & Floatation
The foam body and moose hair wings ensure excellent visibility and floatation. The pattern rides high on the surface, making it easy to track in varying light conditions. Apply floatant sparingly to the wing and foam body.
