Chuck Kraft’s Critter Mite
Nymph
Tied By Darrell Olson
Hook: TMC 5243, Size 4
Thread: Black 6/0
Materials-
eyes: Black Dumbbell Eye, Size Large
body: Black Medium Chenille
tail: Black Critter Mite Tail #4
legs: Large Rubber Legs
wing case: Large Black Popper Tail (Optional)
Pinchers: Screw Protector (Optional)
wing: Black Calf Tail
Notes:
Chuck Kraft’s Critter Mite is a remarkable fly pattern designed by Chuck Kraft. He has been refining this fly since 2007, and it has become one of the most effective hellgrammite patterns ever produced.
Hellgrammites are the larvae of eastern dobsonflies. They are aquatic, somewhat flattened, and usually some shade of dark brown, tan, or black. Some people think they look like centipedes. The head is equipped with a pair of large, sharp pincers that can deliver a painful bite. The thorax has 3 pairs of legs, each tipped with a tiny pair of pincers. The segmented abdomen has 8 pairs of pointed, leglike appendages along the sides, each with a cottony or hairy gill tuft at the base. There is a pair of hooked, leg like appendages at the hind tip; these help keep the animal from being swept away in the water current.
Fishing Techniques for Hellgrammite Flies:
Natural Behavior: Hellgrammites are aquatic larvae that live under rocks in rivers. They can resemble stoneflies or damselflies. Understand their natural behavior and appearance.
Target Areas: Look for riffles and rocky areas in rivers where hellgrammites are commonly found.
Casting: Cast the hellgrammite fly across the stream below riffles. Let it drift naturally downstream.
Retrieve: Crawl the fly slowly across the stream bottom. Hellgrammites move in a deliberate, crawling manner, so mimic this motion.
Species: Hellgrammites are particularly attractive to smallmouth bass. However, other fish species may also take interest.
Remember, the key is to imitate the natural movement and appearance of hellgrammites.
For Black Critter Mite Tail #4 and Large Black Popper Tail can be purchased at the following link:
https://easterntrophiesflyfishing.bigcartel.com/category/fly-tying-material