Crane Fly

The Crane Fly imitates the gangly, long-legged adults that wobble over every trout stream from midsummer on—the "giant mosquitoes" that fish eat without hesitation. A tan-orange body, splayed hackle-tip wings, and long knotted legs capture the unmistakable sprawl of the natural.

Adult crane flies skitter and bounce on the surface while egg-laying, and trout take them with slashing rises that betray how much they want the meal.

Best for:

• Late-summer crane fly activity
  
• Grassy banks and soft margins
  
• Skated, moving presentations

📌 Pro Tip: This is the rare dry that fishes better with drag—skate it across the soft water in short pulls; the legs and wings kicking up wake are the whole imitation.