Overview

The Clouser Crayfish is another pattern from the vise of Bob Clouser, creator of the Clouser Minnow. Umpqua describes it as a fly to dead drift along the bottom for large river trout, and it can also be fished like a streamer.

Crayfish are a key food for smallmouth bass, largemouth, carp and big trout. They live among rocks and dart backward when threatened. A crayfish pattern drifted or crawled along the bottom puts a big, high-protein meal right where fish expect to find one.

How to Fish It

• Dead drift: drift it on the bottom through riffles and runs, as Clouser intended for big trout.
• Crawl and hop: make short strips with pauses so it hops along the bottom like a fleeing crayfish.
• Smallmouth: work it around ledges, boulders and rocky banks.
• Add weight as needed: use split shot to keep it down in heavier current.

Choosing Color and Size

Olive Green matches the greenish crayfish common in many rivers. Dark Brown Turquoise is a darker, natural brown tone for dark bottoms and stained water.

Size 6 is the larger option for bass and big trout, and size 10 matches small crayfish and suits trout and panfish.