How to Tie: Eric Schmuecker’s Wee Craw
What You’ll Need
Hook
TMC 2312, size 6, 8, 10
ANTENNEA
Spanflex SX3 (colors in any sizes, two pieces each; orange,brown,black, ginger, red
Body
Crawdub colors (color to match body) Special blending of shellfish, orange, brick
Hackle
Burnt orange Indian hen saddle
ACTION
Extra small gold propelers
KRYSTAL FLASH
Orange
WEIGHT
.025 lead wire, extra small or copper cones
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-1-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 1
Start the thread at the bend and wrap a few turns to secure the thread. A lot of tiers would rough up the hook before tying the tail. It’s really up to you. I personally don’t think it matters. Just make sure you make a thread base so the material doesn’t shift to one side.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-2-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 2
Wrap .025 lead wire on half the hook. This should be approximately 6-8 wraps, but more or less lead can be used if the situation calls for
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-3-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 3
Use various sizes and colors of spanflex and Krystal Flash. It’s always a good idea to experiment creatively. About 2 pieces each will suffice for the mouth parts.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-4-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 4
Insider Tip: A quick clip on the corner of the zip lock makes a neat dispenser for a material that likes to get all over the
LEARN HOW TO TIE ERIC SCMUECKERS WEE CRAW FLY PATTERN
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-5-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 5
A close up of the spanflex “tentacales”.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-6-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 6
Tie in a bundlle of spanflex, and whatever else you may want (like Flashabou or something similar) on the bend of the hook.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-7-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 7
Poke a hole in your dubbing packs for another easy dispenser.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-8-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 8
World’s Cheapest Dispensers.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-9-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 9
Using Crawdub Dubbing in a light color Flesh or Orange. Tie a small ball on top of the spanflex tie in point.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-10-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 10
Select a larger hen saddle hackle feather and tie it in behind the dubbing ball. Then wrap the feather behind the dubbing ball. This should build a collar.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-11-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 11
Insider tip: Hand blending Prism dubbing and Crawdub Dubbing makes for a good combination.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-12-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 12
Dub the body of the Craw fly with thick wraps of various colors of Crawdub.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-13-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 13
Using a dubbing teaser or bodkin, pick the dubbing out. Then hand sweep the dubbing back into the orange hackle.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-14-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 14
Insider Tip: One fun extra is to stick eyes on the fly propelers. There are two sides so that’s four eyes you’ll need. Predatory fish like trout and bass have been known to “key in” on the eyes of their prey.
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-15-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]
Step 15
Insider Tip: You can also paint the cones to blend the whole
[dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover dnxtiep_uih_image=”https://flysandguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Eric-Scmueckers-Wee-Craw-step-16-square.jpg” dnxtiep_uih_image_hover_effect=”effect-18″ dnxtiep_uih_bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” dnxtiep_uih_image_opacity=”1 ” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_text_fonts_text_color=”#ffffff” hover_text_fonts_font_size=”36px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)”][/dnxtiep_ultimate_image_hover]