Clouser Crayfish Tying Instructions

I've been fishing the Clouser Crayfish in Olive for the last three years. It's one of the best patterns for smallmouth in my neck of the wood. When nothing else is working I seem to be able to catch fish with this fly.

I've wanted to learn to tie this one and after a year of work I finally feel up to the challenge. My one problem is I can find a recipe or instructions for it. In looking at the ones I haven't feed to the fish (or rocks, or trees) here's what I think I need to tie this beastie:

Hook - 3x streamer
Body - lead wrapped w/ gray thread 3/0
Hackle - brown
Carapace - olive fur foam tied on with mono to give segmented look.
Claws - brown turkey flats?
Antenna - brown feather of some kind?

Can anyone fill in the blanks, add to or expand on what I've got? I'd really like to tie this crayfish pattern. I know there are many others and I'm sure some are just as effective and probably simpler to do, but this is the one I want to do. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

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Joe B
SW Ohio

"I grew up in PA, I work in Ohio. My heart still belongs to PA."

Joe,

Here's a pretty good tutorial for the crayfish: [url=http://www.peninsulaflyfishers.org/Fly_Tying/clouserCrayfish/clouserCrayfish.html:9f772]http://www.peninsulaflyfishers.org/Fly_Tying/clouserCrayfish/clouserCrayfish.html[/url:9f772]
Post some pictures after you tie a few; I'm sure theyll be killers.

Regards,
ScottP

I just compared the directions on the link given above with the more-detailed step-by-step directions that start on page 91 of Bob Clouser's book, "Clouser's Flies". The book does it slightly different and has more pictures. Both appear to work though but with slightly different results.

The link above clearly states the original is tied without eyes, the claws are done slightly different (Bob's directions are easier to follow I think), and the head is different.

None of the differences are earth shattering of course and the web version is danged handy.

It's a good book if you get the chance to poke through it. It has more than just the patterns of Bob Clouser. It also includes info on fishing each of them and some other useful info.

Price is normally about $40. I think I got my copy cheaper by picking it up during a fishing show (from my local shop's booth at the show if I recall correctly).

I would think this fly(the crayfish in the above link) rides upside-down in the water...or no???

[This message has been edited by imaxfli (edited 05 March 2006).]

Scott, thanks for the link to a tie for this great pattern! I have been looking for a nice tutorial to add to my collection, and for some reason this one took awhile to get a lead on.
Thanks!
Bob

Bob,

You're welcome. Date on the article is Feb 06 so I'd think it's pretty new. Guess I just "Googled" at the right time. I'm breaking out the olive Furry Foam tonight.

Regards,
Scott

Scott - thanks for the link. I did a search at the end of last year and this didn't surface. Your comment about the Feb 06 article date is most likely the reason. It's close, a lot closer than I'd have gotten just worrying it out.

Thwack - I'll keep an eye out for the Clouser book. Just like tying materials, I can't seem to get enough books!

Anyone else with anything illuminating please don't hesitate to respond!



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Joe B
SW Ohio

"I grew up in PA, I work in Ohio. My heart still belongs to PA."

Before Bob's book was released I purchased one of these kits which includes instructions...
[url=http://www.clouserflyfishing.com/clouscraytyi.html:f018c]http://www.clouserflyfishing.com/clouscraytyi.html[/url:f018c]