During the late summer and early autumn the prevalence of crane flies can be such that they represent a feeding bonanza for trout seeking to bulk up ahead of winter and as such are sometimes colloquially referred to as the ‘midlands mayfly’ where they are quite common. Many a fly fisherman has benefited from a disturbance, like a herd of cows grazing, along the bank of a still water that sends the crane flies dapping across the surface of the water drawing the trout to the surface.
Crane fly is a common name referring to any member of the insect family Tipulidae. This is one of the largest groups of flies, including over 15,000 species and subspecies. They are sometimes called mosquito hawks or the ‘daddy long-legs’ fly. Crane flies are usually nocturnal and are often attracted to lights. Crane flies are found all over the world although they are most diverse in the tropics, northern latitudes and at high elevations. There are around 300 different species of crane fly in the UK, with Tipula paludosa (European crane fly) and Tipula oleracea (marsh crane fly) being two well know species as they are often considered pests of grasslands and lawns during their larval stage when they feed on grass roots and stems. The larvae of crane flies are known commonly as leatherjackets owing to their bodies being covered in a tough integument.
Tipulidae are large to medium-sized flies (10 – 35 mm) with elongated legs, wings, and abdomen. The adult T. paludosa are large insects with females reaching up to 50 mm across with wing lengths of 13-23 mm. T. oleracea reaches up to 60 mm across with wing lengths of 18-28 mm. They are usually greyish-brown in colour but the abdomen may vary in colour including a dark brown stripe (Pedicia rivosa), dark brown (T. maxima; T. vernalis) and yellow/orange brown (T. cava). The shape of the abdomen distinguishes the sexes with the male’s being square-ended and the female’s being pointed with an ovipositor for egg laying.
While the crane fly can be found on the wing at most times of the year the primary flight period is in the summer and early autumn. T. paludosa has one generation per year with the adults emerging from June to September although the peak emergence can vary regionally. T. Oleracea has two generations per year and flies from April to October but is most common in early summer.
From a fly fishing perspective it pays to have both dry and wet patterns in a small range of colours – light brown/cream, brown and orange. Below are two of my go to dry fly patterns which can be tied in different colours.
Tight Lines
Greg
