How to tie the Hawthorn Cruncher

Hook - Hanak H230 BL #10
Thread - Semprfli Nano Silk 12/0 Black
Tail - Hen Hackle Fibres
Rib - Black Flexi Floss
Body - UTC Opel Mirage
Thorax - Peacock Herl Dyed Black
Hackle - Hen Hackle Black
This fly works particularly well during the Hawthorn Fly season, it used to work really well on Bewl Water. I like to fish it on the washing line on a floater, the takes can be phenomenal. Works well in a smaller size such as #12 as well. I hope you enjoy the pattern, let me know what you think in the comments section below.

[@mikel3379]

A very neat and attractive fly. I have found the flexifloss can unwind if damaged by the trout's teeth. Do you ever use a thin coat of resin to combat this prior to winding the flexifloss on or after winding it on prior to the peacock herl?

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Mike, I certainly do on the vast majority of this type of fly. The truth be known on this occasion I just forgot that stage.

[@mikel3379]

So you are human after all,keep up the great videos.

[@duderoony]

Nice cruncher there Lyndsay. I feel quite confident in having a try at tying it 😬. Thanks for another one dude.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

It’s fairly simple just keep those proportions in mind.

[@duderoony]

I know. It’s a very important set of rules we work to! And considering the size of what we’re working on it’s quite an uneasy game to play! lol. Thanks for response to the comment too. ☺️

[@davidriley7997]

Just perfect. Thanks for sharing

[@lindsayiflyfish]

My pleasure 😊

[@leemowers9395]

Nice cruncher, thanks Lindsey.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

You’re welcome 😊

[@jimflynn466]

Nice one Lindsay, a few hawthorns flying about on our loch, I’ll give this a go.Cheers Jimf

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Tight lines Jim🤞

[@michaelshaw8370]

One addition I add to most of my hawthorn patterns. Either or and, two turns of claret hen or soft cock hackle behind the main hackle, two again claret knotted pheasant tail legs each side of the head as for a pulling hopper. Also a cormorant in similar style with the added legs is a viable alternative.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

That’s the beauty of tying your own.

[@frankmonroe8320]

Nice. Thank you.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Most welcome

[@davidriley7997]

Perfect. I really like that. I can see other colour options with the same technique.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Glad you like it!

[@keithelliot3772]

Nice fly, they would look good in my fly box or on my cast.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

I think so too

[@cohoblue6512]

If I didn`t know any better you`d think its is Sean Connery tying this fly lol I bet you`ve heard that before lol

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Sadly he passed in 2020, you will just have to put up with me.....lol.

[@johnlindsay3202]

one worth a spot in the box looks good

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thanks John.

[@tcnorthants3641]

Definitely a good un!! Nice tie

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thanks!

[@derekcunningham9993]

👍nice

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@fliesbychris]

Nice one Lindsay!! Have you tried using ostrich herl instead of peacock?, got a couple with crunchers at the weekend, finally got out fishing this year!!!.. Will be trying a couple of these!! Keep em coming mate. ATB Chris.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Not yet, I find the ostrich herl a bit to large for Crunchers. Glad to hear you are finally getting out to wet a line.

[@markjones4031]

Nice pattern thanks, I’m in need of some new hackle pliers could you pls recommend some ?

[@lindsayiflyfish]

I like the C&F ones for smaller flies. For bigger hackles the Corterrelli ones are not bad.

[@Madmicksoutdooractivities]

Will this work as the hawthorn mate?

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Yes it works well as a Hawthorn.