Burkus' Green Drake Cripple

The Burkus' Green Drake Cripple, designed by the talented fly tyer Ken Burkholder, is a quintessential imitation of a Green Drake caught in its transitional phase of emergence. Inspired by observing trout selectively feeding on crippled duns struggling to escape their shucks, Burkholder created a pattern that perfectly mimics this vulnerable state. This fly sits partially in the surface film, with a trailing shuck below and a semi-spent wing above, replicating the silhouette of a natural that trout instinctively target.

Rising Bubble Marker: During an active hatch, look for small, isolated rises marked by subtle bubbles on the surface. Cast this fly slightly upstream of the bubbles to intercept trout feeding specifically on cripples.