Craven’s Mole Fly

Description

Trout cannot resist the temptation of a Mole Fly! Craven’s Mole Fly is one of his easiest flies to tie, but do not underestimate its production! It is a must-have for imitating small Blue-winged Olives and midges on tailwaters. The Mole fly has a very thin and sparse profile that can be adapted to match any small mayfly hatch. The Mole Fly is very similar to another one of our favorite dry flies, the Sparkle Dun. We believe in both of these flies are the ultimate guide flies in terms of small dry flies. They are both durable, easy to tie and consistently fool selective tailwater trout.

Fishing Strategies:

The Mole Fly is a must-have pattern for selective tailwater trout.  We have found a lot of success fishing Mole flies to match the hatch for smaller Blue-Winged Olives in April to June and then again in September and October.  These seasons can provide technical, humbling and rewarding dry fly fishing.  Typically fish this fly with 9-foot leaders terminating in 6 or 7X tippet.  We use 6X for size 16-18, and 7X for 20-22.  It is very important to watch your drag closely.  If you are getting refusals, think about dropping your tippet down a size.

Recipe:

Hook: #16-20 Tiemco 2487
Thread: Gray UTC 70 Denier
Body: Rusty Brown Beaver
Wing: Natural CDC, white flurofibre