Crackleback

[Oldschoolcane]

Super post on a great fly. Question: Can someone explain to me what the turkey rounds are? I've got a wild turkey at home and I was thinking about using some of these feathers on this pattern, I am just not sure what they really are. Also, what colors seem to be the most used on this pattern, thought I knew then went by the fly shop the other day and they told me that people were going crazy over using a navy & light blue floss for this pattern? The shop was sold out of both colors.

Thanks,

jman

[Danoinark]

I like to tie the Crackleback body using uni stretch floss...typically I tie them in Lt. Olive and Pumpkin color.

Dano

[brittsnbirds]

It never ceases to amaze me at what I learn and the different ideas there are. Here goes my Super Crackle. I got this from a local at BSP. He gave me a crackle he tied on what appeared to be a size 10 crappie hook. It was with brown furnace hackle and copper body. I ended up tieing it with a size 10 or 12, 2x down turned eye. It is usually my start out fly anytime of the day. I use the sweep with full sinking line. Once it makes it's turn if I haven't had my TFO ripped out of my hand, I just let it sink and set there. There has been many times while I waited, daydreaming, letting the thing lay on bottom and they nail it. If not then they tear it up as I strip it through the moss.

I tie this big feller in as many combinations as I can think of. I've started using some Olive green hackle with several body colors. I've been using this braided material (can't remember name) for the body lately. It makes a great flash.

If they aren't interested in the big boy I start downsizing. But believe me the big one has been tearing them up for me.

[Oldschoolcane]

Britts, is what your tying simply a larger version of the Crackleback or is it truly different in some ways? Can you offer a recipe? Cass county, I am from Overland Park - where are you located?

jman

[brittsnbirds]

jman-

I live south of Belton and North of Peculiar on the west side of 71.

My Super Crackle is tied the same as the standard only I use anywhere from a 12-2x hook to a 8-2x hook. The extra shank length gives it more body and hackle.

I do get some riser's, and some on the swing, but most of my hook ups are down deep. I use full sink line and shove my rod as deep into the water as I can get it. Then I just stand there and visit with people. Sometimes they will hammer it while it lays there. Other times they hammer it as I strip it back. They get really excited when I pull it through a moss clump. I stall for a second while it's in there. Then I rip it out and they jump on it. I've caught 50 plus fish at BSP out of one hole with it. It doesn't work every time but it is definitely my go to fly. As a matter of fact I was down there last Sunday and didn't turn a fish with one!

[Oldschoolcane]

Britts, your in my neighborhood, I am just across the state line in Kansas. Your super crackleback is a variation I'll need to try. Sounds like a winner for Smallmouth also? Are you adding weight to the fly? What color seems to work the best for you?

jman

[brittsnbirds]

If there is any weight it is from my full sink line. The crackle like many others (renegade, griffiths etc.) have a variety of presentations that can be made. Sometimes I use them on floating line and drift like a dry. Other times I'm interested in skipping them either on or just below the film. Most of the times in the summer I use my full sink. I make my presentation straight across the stream. I track it as if it is a dry, then I just let it swing downstream. As the line tightens it will go under. I shove my rod down in the water and allow it to sink with the line. Then I just let it settle down. I get strikes at any phase.

No I don't weight mine specifically because I use full sink line.

My patterns vary. The pattern I use depends on the amount of sun light and if I'm going deep. Here are some of my patterns;

Hurl; Olive, black, yellow, chartreuse, white, brown grizzly.

Body; copper, yellow, halographic, blue, green.

I usually use a #10 2x long hook. I have used 8 but usually a 10.

My favorite is the olive and copper. I recommend using the same recipes as the regular crackles.

I would be willing to show you how I tie them since your close.

You can e-mail me if you need to.

[Oldschoolcane]

Brit, I am going to do some tying this weekend and I'll try some of your suggested variations. I'll let you know how that goes. Thanks.

If your not already familar with a soft hackled fur bugger, go to this link and tye a few of these.....a great variation of the Wooly Bugger. Perfect for the Missouri trout and smallmouth.

http://www.fishingwithflies.com/WoollyFurBugger.htm

Tim

[crackelback]

Great post on a great fly! You guys have talked about skipping a crackleback, could you give some more details about that? I've heard lots of people talk about it but have never seen a really good "how to."

[brittsnbirds]

crackel-

I don't know if my method is correct but sometimes it will draw a strike. By skipping I use floating line and leader, cast across stream, mend my line and allow it to swing downstream. Once it starts to straighten out it will pull the fly. I let it go until all of the line is taught then I strip it back. Usually that will caused the fly to skip on the surface or just below.

You can do it several ways, you can make your presentation then strip it back rather than waiting. Sometimes during the swing they will strike and miss. If they do I will start skipping it then.

Mix it up, play with them and see what triggers a reaction.