In this video Simon demonstrates how to tie a Pale Morning Dun “cripple” fly pattern. This pattern imitates the PMD as it emerges, attempting to break the water’s surface meniscus. This half in half out or struggling mayfly is like candy for feeding trout. During heavy hatches, trout will often key in on easy meals like emerging mayflies shedding their nymphal shuck. Mayflies that run into issues during their emergence such as getting stuck, or soaking their wings make for an even easier meal. A cripple pattern like this effectively imitates both emerging mayflies and crippled ones by dropping the rear of the fly into the water mimicking an emerging PMD. The pattern can be altered in size and color for other hatches. Have some of this particular style tied up in your box for summer months.
Deer Hair PMD Cripple
Hook- Kona BC3: Size 14
Thread- Semperfli Yellow Nanosilk: 50D
Tail/Shuck- Hareline CDL: Ginger Speckled & Hareline Marabou Blood Quills: Brown
Abdomen- Hareline Turkey Biot Quill: Brown & Zap-A-Gap
Thorax- Hareline Micro Fine Dry Fly Dub: Sulphur Yellow
Wing- Hareline Bleached Elk
Hackle- Keough Saddle Value Pack: Light Ginger
Additional Tools- Dr Slick Hair Stacker: Small
UV Resin- Solarez Bone Dry
Vise- Renzetti Traveler 2304