Offline — showing saved data
Pattern Library
Mahogany Cripple fly pattern
Emerger · #396 of 532

Mahogany Cripple

Mahogany Cripple is a low-riding emerger for trout feeding on trapped Mahogany Dun-style mayflies during fall and late-season cool weather. It supports Mahogany Cripple fly, fall mayfly emerger, and selective trout searches.

Imitates: Mahogany duns and crippled fall mayfly emergers

Quick Reference

Best Sizes
#16-20
Best Season
Late summer through fall
Best Conditions
Tailouts, foam lines, and slow rise water
Water Temp
48-62°F
Recommended Tippet
5X-6X

How to Rig It

Fish it singly to rising trout or behind a small visible dry.

How to Present It

Allow a long drag-free drift with the fly sitting low in the surface film.

Why It Works

Trout often target crippled fall mayflies because they are easier to intercept than clean duns.

History

Mahogany cripple patterns became popular anywhere trout key on late-season small mayfly emergers.

Pro Tip

This is a great fall backup when standard Mahogany Dun dries stop getting eaten.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mahogany Cripple imitate?+

It imitates a trapped Mahogany Dun emerger struggling in the film.

Try the Fly Advisor

Not sure if Mahogany Cripple is right today?

Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.

Open Fly Advisor
MapFly GuideStrike ZoneReportsLogTools