I certainly am happy to share with you a few of the flies that I have had decent success with. That is my list for today. A month from now if I were asked, my list might be a little different. It all depends on the fishing success I am having and if I haven't came across a new absolutely great pattern that I saw somewhere that I just had to add to my fly box. Plus, Crappie are not a picky fish in as much as what flies they might take on a given day. The most significant issue is finding good cover (Crappie like good cover via down trees or stick ups or other significant structure), finding a school of Crappie (Crappie school up sometimes in large schools of fish), and then determining depth of fly presentation to reach the school of Crappie. Last on the agenda is really what fly they might take. They love small Streamer patterns, Leech patterns, Bead head Nymph patterns, etc. etc. Crappie are not a fish that I have ever had much success with while fishing a surface Popper or Foam bug like Bluegill. In the end, there are many, many effective patterns for Crappie.
Like all the flies I tie anymore, my concept is to keep the patterns simple. At my age, that means more time fishing and less time preparing to go fishing..................................................
Here are (3) of my favorite Crappie flies. Note: While I list them here for Crappie understand that they will also fish well for other species of warm water fish and also for our trout efforts, too.
Chartreuse FluffButt
(6 - 10)
See what I mean by simple, just a marabou tail and chenille body. To get a jigging action either weight the hook, or, as I often do use a weighted bead at the head of the fly. Color combinations are your choice and since it takes no time at all to tie, you are able to crank a bunch of these guys in a hurry. More fishing............................................................
Chartreuse over Pearl White Ice Dub Clouser Minnow
(6 - 10)
Almost takes as long to type out the name of the fly than it does to tie this super effective Crappie pattern. Weighted eyes get it down, Crappies do the rest of the work. Also, tied in various color combinations, but, this is one of my favorite combinations. (Before anybody needs to remind me, I know this is not the best picture, but, when you want to go fishing it will work!)
Stayner Ducktail
(6 - 10)
The work horse of my fly box when it comes to many species of fish. I believe I have caught more Crappie on this fly than any other. Probably, because I have faith in the fly and fish it diligently. Of course, I have talked about this pattern exclusively in a post most recently.
I never leave home to go fly fishing without this pattern in my box.
'Nuff said.
Hey Mel. A while back when I was cutting a bunch of Cedar I came across the Cedar Bark Beetle Larvae (white) and tied a couple to try. It was just like your first one without the Marabou. Might have had more luck with the tail. I'll try that next time.
ReplyDeleteHi, Mark. I remember you doing a post about tying up some Bark Beetle Larvae. I will have to re-read it to freshen my mind. The FluffButt is as easy as it gets for quickly tying up something that will work. By all means, experiment and use various colors to get it right.
DeleteMel
ReplyDeleteHaving faith in the fly you are fishing is key to landing fish of any species. I would think the Stayner Ducktail is one pattern that would apply for bass and bluegill as well as crappie. I'm really impressed with this pattern. Thanks for sharing
Hi, Bill. It seems that if you have a pattern that you are doing well with your extra fishing senses kick in and you are ultimately in sync with the fly and the fish. Trust me, the Stayner Ducktail is a great pattern for Bluegill in smaller sizes. Bass and Crappie like the bigger sizes. For Bass, even bigger doesn't hurt a bit. Happy to share the Stayner Ducktail with my readers.
DeleteOh no, I'm late to the party. I don't know how I missed the post Mel. I don't think I've ever caught crappie, but I love to eat them. You'll have to show me how.
ReplyDeleteHoward, you know the ol' saying, never too late as long as you stay till the end! I sure don't mind showing you how to catch some Crappie. Yes, they are great to eat. The trouble is finding where their holding. Often times can be right under the boat dock....
DeleteThose look great! My go to crappie fly is called a "Sarge's Crappie fly," that Bryan from The naturalists angle tied for me. the crappie seem to LOVE that fly!
ReplyDeleteHi, Juan. Thanks for the compliment on my flies. They do work. Pretty they may not be! Just this year I came across "Sarge's Crappie Fly" Will get around tying some up to chase the Crappie with. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteOne of the things I have been meaning to do, and haven't yet gotten to, is chasing crappie on the fly. Thanks for giving me an idea of some patterns that might work!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. I know that you enjoy catching Crappie and I have enjoyed reading about your various experiences. Not just Crappie but all of your fishing efforts. Have you started any fly fishing yet? Let me know and I would be happy to share more with you.
DeleteWe get the fly rods out a few times a year, not near as often as I would like. To this point I've only caught some small browns and brookies with my fly rod. Bought a new 2wt over the winter and just haven't made the time to get it out on the river. I think I'll have to add the fly rods to our usual stack of rods in the boat - I could use a change.
DeleteRebecca, fishing a 2wt would be a real thrill rather it be on your Browns and Brookies on the stream, or, Crappie and other warm water species on the lakes in your area. Responded too your email this evening. Will get with you later in the next week.
DeleteI love throwing small minnow looking flies for crappie. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteRoss, thanks for the visit and comment here. Crappie seem to really key on smaller baitfish imitations. Chartreuse, Yellow, Purple, White are my favorite colors body wise when tying the basic Crappie flies.
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