Mini Jigged Crayfish Nymph

If you’re looking for a highly effective crayfish fly pattern that catches bass, trout, and panfish—this mini jigged crayfish is one you need to try.

This fly uses pine squirrel strips for lifelike claws and a jig hook design that rides hook point up, giving it incredible action as it sinks and moves through the water. The claws naturally stand up in a defensive position and pulse with even the slightest movement—just like a real crayfish.
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One of the biggest advantages of this pattern is its versatility.
It’s small enough for bluegill and other panfish, but still has enough profile and movement to consistently catch bass, trout, carp, and even catfish. If fish are feeding on crayfish, this fly will get eaten.
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You can fish this fly a variety of ways:
- Strip it like a traditional crayfish pattern
- Bounce it along the bottom like a jig
- Or fish it under an indicator like a nymph
That flexibility makes it an excellent choice for rivers, lakes, and ponds.
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This is one of my go-to crayfish patterns, especially from late spring through early fall when smaller crayfish are most active.

While it’s not the absolute easiest fly to tie, it’s still very manageable—and the extra time at the vise is more than worth it for how well this pattern performs on the water.
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If you enjoy fly tying, fly fishing, and learning effective patterns that actually catch fish, give this one a try.

Check out Veevus for some of the best fly tying threads available. When you sign up for their VIP membership using my link, you’ll get a free bobbin holder plus 10% off your entire order:
https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly

Check out my sponsor Risen Fly for high-quality hooks, beads, and some of the best fly rods I’ve ever used. Use code McFly at checkout for 15% off your first order: www.risenfly.com

Shop my custom McFly Angler fly boxes and gear here: www.amazon.com/shops/McFlyAngler

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Materials
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Hook: Risen jig 9030 (size 12) - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/hooks/products/barbless-jig-fly-ho…
Weight: Brass Dumbbells (2.4mm) - https://amzn.to/4sbhQjN
Thread: Veevus 6/0 (brown) - https://veevus.com/pages/membership?via=McFly
Flash: Crystal Flash (gold) - https://amzn.to/4vi1Q2e
Legs: Centipede legs (medium, orange speckle) - https://amzn.to/47AX5Xj
Claws: Pine Squirrel Strips (crawdad orange) - https://amzn.to/4m4CUXB
Back: Fly Smith Latex (yellow) - https://theflysmith.co/shop/ols/products/latex-9a9a09
Body: Kraken Dubbing (crawfish gold) - http://www.flytyersdungeon.net/Materials/Chart_The_Kraken_Dubbing.htm
Cement: Solarez Ultra Thin UV Resin - https://solarez.com/bone-dry-intro-kit.html

Tools
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Vise: Renzetti Traveler - https://amzn.to/2t2FFmo
Bobbin: Stonfo Bobtec - https://amzn.to/2YWOf39
Scissors: Risen 4.5" Straight Hair - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/fly-tying-tools-and-accessories/pr…
Whip finisher: Dr. Slick brass - https://amzn.to/2tGYwDW
Fly Tying Bench: Oasis Walnut Compact Bench - https://www.oasisbenches.com/oasis-benches/compact-bench/
UV Light: Solarez UV Cure (high output) - https://www.solarez.com/product/uv-cure-flashlight-high-output/

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