Clouser Crayfish

Materials

How to Tie the Clouser Crayfish

1. 1

   Step 1

   Secure the hook and wrap a thread base from eye to bend.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in dumbbell or bead chain eyes on top of the shank about 1/3 shank length back from the eye using figure-eight wraps.

   The eyes help the fly ride hook-point-up and bounce along the bottom, imitating a fleeing crayfish.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Optionally wrap a few turns of lead wire between the eye and the dumbbell for additional sink.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Secure several pheasant tail fibers in front of the eyes as the mouth and antennae, extending past the hook eye.

5. 5

   Step 5

   At the hook bend, select two mallard flank feathers or marabou clumps. Tie them in splayed outward on each side to mimic claws.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Tie in a strip of furry foam or other shellback material at the bend.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Dub the body forward with tan or olive Antron dubbing (or wrap chenille) from the bend to behind the eyes. Pick out fibers to mimic legs.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Pull the shellback material over the dubbed body and tie off behind the eyes.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Optionally add palmered hackle or rubber legs along the body sides for added realism.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Wrap thread over all tie-off points, whip finish in front of the eyes, and apply head cement.