Mini Crayfish Jig Fly – Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide

Fly Tying
Written By Trent Jones

With : McFly Angler

This mini crayfish pattern is a versatile and highly effective fly that can be fished as a nymph or small streamer, offering lifelike movement and the ideal profile to entice trout in various water conditions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hook and Bead

  • Use a barbless jig hook in size 10.

  • Slide a 3.8mm or 4mm slotted tungsten bead (gold or black) onto the hook.

  • Secure the hook in your vise with the bead at the head.

Step 2: Add Lead Wire

  • Wrap 0.015" lead wire around the hook shank 10 times.

  • Push the wraps together and ensure they are neat.

Step 3: Start the Thread

  • Use brown 6/0 Veevus thread.

  • Start the thread behind the lead wraps and secure the lead with tight wraps both forward and back.

Step 4: Add Antennae (Gold Crystal Flash)

  • Cut one strand of gold Crystal Flash and tie it in on top of the hook, centered.

  • Separate and tie each strand down the sides of the hook to the bend.

  • Trim to approximately three times the hook shank length.

Step 5: Add Dubbing Ball

  • Use bright orange Diamond Dub to form a rough dubbing ball at the bend.

  • Dub a thick noodle, wrap it, and pick out the fibers for a buggy look.

Step 6: Add Rubber Legs

  • Use orange barred nymph silly legs.

  • Cut one leg in half; tie each piece on either side of the hook just in front of the dubbing ball to splay outward.

Step 7: Add Chicken Boo Feathers

  • Select two reddish-brown Chickabou feathers with good tips.

  • Strip fluff and tie one feather on each side of the hook so they angle outward and slightly up, extending 1.5x the hook shank.

  • Snap or trim excess stem.

Step 8: Add Scud Back

  • Use dark tan Scud Back.

  • Bring thread to the front and tie down the Scud Back on top of the hook, extending rearward to the start of the legs and feathers.

Step 9: Prepare and Wrap Soft Hackle

  • Select two small soft hackle feathers.

  • Strip one down fully; strip the second feather partially for texture variety.

  • Tie in the tip of the first feather, then wrap forward while stroking fibers back. Secure and trim.

  • Repeat with the second feather, overlapping the first for density.

Step 10: Finish the Fly

  • Pull the Scud Back forward over the hackle and tie down tightly.

  • Trim excess.

  • Whip finish and apply head cement for durability.

Trent Jones
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