The Crackleback is an effective pattern that can be fished as a dry fly or a wet fly. Tying it as a dry fly, used the dry fly hooks TMC100 or TMC101. Tying it as a wet fly, use the wet fly hooks TMC200R or TMC5263. It can be tied with different materials and colors. See picture below. Carolyn Parker from River Run Outfitters, ties the Pumpkin Crackleback using the UNI-Stretch Pumpkin. Her fly introduced me to the UNI-Stretch thread and now use it for all my Cracklebacks. Two tying tips: when tying off the UNI-Stretch, suggest that you start a new thread UNI-Thread 8/0 black to tie off the UNI-Stretch. This will eliminate the buildup of thread around the eye of the hook. And second, I use a little super glue on the top of the body before I pull the Peacock herl forward. This will give the fragile herl strength, and also keep the herl from sliding down the sides. These flies are a must for any fly box and suggest that you have extras and some in all color combinations.
Materials
- Hook: Tiemco TMC100, or TMC101 (TMC200R or TMC5263)
- Hook Size: 12, 14, 16
- Body: Green – UNI-Stretch, or UNI-Floss, or Embroidery Floss, or UTC-Holo,
- and Peacock Herl
- Thread: UNI-Thread 8/0, Black
- Hackle: Brown, Furnace Brown, others
Tying Steps
