Will it Fish? (Crayfish Flies)

skunk extinction · Member

Will it Fish? (Crayfish Flies)

Skol Bandit · Senior Member

There definitely are cray fish in the creek. I think you kind of want to cast it out, let it sink until it hits the bottom, and then strip it maybe a few inches at a time along the bottom to mimic what an actual cray fish would do - a sinking line would be best to keep it down. They won't really be drifting in the current, but that doesn't mean a trout won't eat it if you drift it. But, if I were trying to drift, I would drift a nymph. If you want to fish a crayfish, you should probably do it in such a way that you are actually mimicking what it would do. Just my .02. Also, be careful if there's an otter around - they love crayfish.

Skol Bandit · Senior Member

Also, the crayfish in the creek are quite pink. You'll see their shells around.

lairdbaird · Veteran Member

Ive thought about trying crayfish patterns at putah too, i know a lot of folks will dead drift them on the truckee river. Dont think you hook a ton of fish doing it but when you do theyre likely nice fish. Ive got a few dead drift crayfish patterns im going to try on the truckee this weekend. When you referred to a “hatch” skunk extinction, i wonder if people meant during the molting period and if thats a certain time of year or not.

lairdbaird · Veteran Member

Also That pattern you tied looks great, bet it sinks like a rock

bono · Master Fly Fishing Guide

I’ve tried crawfish patterns on Putah with no luck. With that said I didn’t try it too many times, its not one of my “ confidence “ go to flies. Kind of like sculpin patterns on the creek . Both are found all over Putah and in some areas in large numbers. I’m not certain if they are a large part of a larger trouts diet here? As far as the color of the crawdads in Putah is concerned, it varies from bluish green to burnt brown and orange.