NymphNine-Pound Hammer
The Nine-Pound Hammer is an improved, purpose-built crayfish variation of the Woolly Bugger designed for indicator fishing. This jig-style pattern features a slotted tungsten bead on a heavy-wire jig hook, layered marabou tail in blue, purple, and gray, Chicone's Crusher Legs for antennae and rear legs, palmered grizzly hackle over an SLF Prism dubbing body, and a distinctive coq de Leon hen saddle collar that creates an artistic carapace suggesting a crayfish shell.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout, Bass
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a modern reimagining of the classic Woolly Bugger, specifically designed to imitate crayfish during their vulnerable molting stage. The gray-blue coloration matches teneral crayfish that have recently shed their shells, making them softer and more attractive to predatory trout and bass. Developed through collaboration with guides Marty Mononi, Brian Schmidt, and others, the Nine-Pound Hammer improves on the Thin Mint concept with more imitative features and color options. The key design element is the oversized coq de Leon hen saddle collar that envelops the body, creating a Van Gogh-like mottled carapace. The Tiemco 708 2X heavy-wire 40-degree jig hook provides the ideal platform for this Ned Rig-inspired design.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 708, #6-12
Bead: Tungsten Bead Slotted, purple (4.6mm for #6, 3.0-5.5mm range)
Thread: Veevus 8/0, black
Tail: Marabou, blue over purple over gray
Flash: Flashabou, blue
Antennae: Chicone's Crusher Legs (micro), blue and purple
Hackle: Saddle Hackle (grizzly, low-grade)
Body: SLF Prism Dubbing, electric blue
Collar: Coq de Leon Hen Saddle, kingfisher blue
Legs: Chicone's Crusher Legs (micro), blue and purple
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring through fall when crayfish are active. Particularly productive during crayfish molting periods when soft-shell individuals are abundant and vulnerable.
Presentation
Fish under an indicator with a long tether, allowing the fly to suspend just off the bottom where crayfish live. The jig hook design helps the fly ride hook-point-up, reducing snags in rocky habitat.
When to Use
Select this pattern when targeting larger, predatory trout and bass in waters with healthy crayfish populations. The gray-blue version imitates molting crayfish and has proven to be the most effective color. Also effective as a searching pattern in streamer-appropriate water.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly deeper pools, runs, and areas with rocky substrate where crayfish are abundant. Works well in both freestone streams and tailwaters.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 2X tether under an indicator or a large dry fly like a Big Fat Angie. Adjust bead size based on water depth and speed. Use 3mm-5.5mm beads depending on conditions.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a subsurface pattern designed to sink and suspend near the bottom. The electric blue SLF Prism dubbing adds flash and visibility in darker water while the mottled hen saddle collar provides realistic movement and profile.
