Fly of the Month: The Cruncher

Video Description:

Follow the step-by-step guide with TFF Editor Steve Cullen and tie The Cruncher

Some flies are born out of necessity; others just happen to come along as if from nowhere and tend to knock the more well-known, proven patterns into a cocked hat. The Cruncher is one of these flies: all of a sudden there it is and everyone’s talking about it. This fly manages to shine even when other tried and tested patterns, like the Pheasant Tail, fail.

The Cruncher combines many attributes that trout find particularly attractive. It’s subtle and fish like subtlety. Although it has to be said there are some variants out there that are more like mini lures. It also, given the soft-hackle fibres of hen, has a lot of movement for such a small fly.

Is it an all-rounder or is it a specific fly that’s to be used only when the fish are nymphing? We’re not sure, but there are times when it fulfils the needs of both.