Seal Cray

Materials

How to Tie the Seal Cray

1. 1

   Step 1

   Place a 1/8" copper Insta Jig Bead on the Firehole 523 hook. Mount it in your vise with the bead facing forward. Start your Nano Silk 50D thread just behind the bead and wrap back to the bend.

   Jig hook keeps the fly upright and reduces snagging — perfect for rivers and lake edges.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Trim two short strips of Micro Pine Squirrel Zonker in Crawdad Orange. Tie them in at the bend, splayed outward like natural pincers. These strips should extend slightly past the hook bend to mimic a crayfish's defensive posture.

   Splay the claws outward for a realistic defensive crayfish look.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Select a few strands of Fulling Mill Micro Flex-Floss in brown. Tie them in between the claws, extending slightly beyond. These thin antennae add realism and natural movement in the water.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Dub a tight noodle of MFC Arizona Simi Seal in Brown Brick. Wrap forward in even turns, forming a tapered body that ends just behind the bead.

   The blend of fibers gives a buggy, textured appearance underwater.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Tie in a single strand of Hareline Crazy Legs on each side of the body. Use the Root Beer color with fluorescent orange tips to mimic crayfish legs and add a subtle hot-spot trigger. Adjust to hang naturally off the sides.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Add a final touch of dubbing to cover any thread wraps. Whip finish behind the bead and apply a drop of head cement for durability.

   Fish the Seal Cray slowly along the bottom, hopping or crawling it near rocks and structure. Excels in late summer and fall when crayfish are most active.