3 Mile PMD

Created by Pete Shanafelt, the 3 Mile PMD is a refined cripple pattern designed specifically to imitate Pale Morning Duns caught in transition—half-emerged and helpless in the surface film. Developed on the technical waters of the lower Henry’s Fork, this pattern was built to fool the pickiest trout under the most scrutinizing conditions. The fly features a slim, segmented body that mirrors the PMD’s natural silhouette, with just a hint of ice dub to draw subtle attention in tough light. A dark, upright wing ensures visibility for the angler while giving trout a believable profile from below. The fly sits low in the film, mimicking an emerger or cripple that’s struggling to hatch—something large fish often key in on during a heavy emergence. Ideal for flat water or slow seams where trout have time to inspect, the 3 Mile PMD brings precision and realism together in a deadly package. It’s a must-have for western rivers in late spring through early fall.

Fish the 3 Mile PMD Cripple with a drag-free drift just below the main current seam or along slower eddies where trout are keying in on struggling emergers. Adding a small dab of floatant to the wing and thorax keeps it riding naturally in the surface film, but avoid applying it to the tail or body to maintain its authentic crippled profile. For extra stealth, pair it with a light tippet (5X or 6X) to maximize hookups on selective fish.