Harrop
“CDC Last Chance Cripple”
Rene’ Harrop
November 2009
During emergence, some mayflies fail to free themselves from the nymphal shuck. Mayfly duns floating on the surface can not fly while connected to the nymphal shuck. In this helpless condition, they are easily consumed by hungry trout. We call them ‘cripples” in the U.S. because they are crippled by the inability to function as healthy mayfly duns that are able to complete the cycle.
Mayfly cripples should not be confused with emergers which are a phase of development rather than a permanent condition.
The Harrop CDC Last Chance Cripple imitates a mayfly dun that is unable to escape the nymphal shuck. This pattern floats well even on fast choppy water and is very easy to see. It also works well as an indicator fly when fished above a nymph dropper.
The rear portion of the CDC Last Chance Cripple represents the attached nymphal shuck. The front portion imitates the dun in color and configuration. This pattern can be adapted to any mayfly hatch.
Tying Instruction for
“Harrop CDC Last Chance Cripple”
Hook:TMC 100 BL
Thread:8/0
Tail (Shuck):Sparse sparkle type dubbing over Wood Duck fibers to match the color of the nymph.
Abdomen:Goose or Turkey biot tied “fuzzy” to match color of the nymph.
Thorax:Dry Fly Dubbing to match color of the dun
Wings:Paired CDC feathers to match wing color of the natural dun.
Hackle:Dry Fly Hackle
