Killer Bug

Cranefly Larva are an underrated food source for trout. They offer a large easy meal and they are found in just about every stream across the country. Frank Sawyer originated this pattern back in the 1960's fishing England's chalk streams. The original pattern calls for Chadwick's 477 wool which was discontinued well over 50 years ago, and if you can even find it, you will pay upwards of $200 for just a couple yards of the stuff. A close substitute is Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift Wool in a color called "Oyster." While the original 477 is supposed to have mythical properties I can attest that this as tied catches plenty of fish. I think this pattern looks killer tied on a Mustad 37160 as opposed to the standard straight shanked nymph hook. 

Hook:    #12 Mustad 37160
Thread:  6/0 Red
Weight: 12 wraps of .020 lead free wire
Body:    Oyster Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift Yarn
Head:    Make a pronounced head with tying thread

Killer Bug