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The Crayfish Jig Streamer is another impressionistic pattern that imitates a small rusty crayfish. It’s currently featured in On The Water magazine‘s “Guide Flies” column, written by Tony Lolli. (Thanks again, Tony, for letting me play!) Now, let’s get this out of the way: this pattern is not some genius inspiration from the mind of yours truly. It’s based on a template I first saw in a Lance Egan YouTube video, and Lance said he got the idea from Pat Weiss. I just adapted it for a very specific smallmouth situation. It’s a classic guide fly — ridiculously simple to tie, and a consistent producer. Fish it in low summer water under an indicator, dragging along the bottom bumpety-bump. And be ready to set the hook!

Here’s a PDF:

The Crayfish Jig Streamer Rogues’ Gallery:

I recently came across this wonderful photo of Ken Abrames taken by fly fishing shooters extraordinaire Barry and Cathy Beck. It was posted by Tom Keer on one of his social media feeds. I don’t know where the shot was taken, but it’s a great look at an extraordinary fly caster. I remember seeing Ken in a parking lot in Watch Hill with my Salmo Sax #3 and a Rio Outbound long head 9-weight line. He held the rod in his right hand; his left hand was stuffed into the front pocket of his khakis. One false cast…waaay back….then one smooth, yet powerful stroke forward, and out went the entire length of line. (That’s 100 feet for those of you keeping score at home.) There are those who will tell you that the double haul — or as Ken liked to call it, “high line speed gymnastics” — is essential to being able to fly fish in saltwater. They never saw Ken cast. I’ve still never double hauled in my life — thanks to Ken.