• Chuck Krafts Crittermite fly in black that imitates a natural dobsonfly larva on smallmouth bass rivers
  • Chuck Kraft's Crittermite fly in black that is outstanding for smallmouth bass, trout and carp.
  • Natural dobsonfly larva on a stream bottom
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Kraft's Crittermite

Kraft's Crittermite

$5.40 USD
$5.40 USD
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
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Chuck Kraft’s Crittermite – Premier Hellgrammite Fly Pattern

Developed over seven years of rigorous river testing by legendary fly tier and guide Chuck Kraft, the Crittermite is widely regarded as one of the most effective hellgrammite imitations ever tied. Engineered to match the exact silhouette, profile, and crawling action of a natural eastern dobsonfly larva, this fly consistently triggers explosive strikes from smallmouth bass, trophy trout, and carp.

Designed specifically to fish deep in rocky riverbeds where big fish feed, the Crittermite features weighted dumbbell eyes that invert the hook point-up. This bottom-bouncing design allows the fly to tick along boulder-strewn river bottoms without snagging, while its supple tail and active rubber legs pulse enticeably in even subtle currents.

Key Features & Design Advantages

  • Authentic Dobsonfly Silhouette: Segmented tail section and realistic profile perfectly mimic a dislodged hellgrammite, found in many mid-Atlantic and Shenandoah Valley streams, drifting along the riverbed.
  • Weedless Hook-Up Design: Precision weighted dumbbell eyes drop the fly fast and ride hook-point-up to minimize hang-ups on rocks, logs, and ledge bottoms.
  • Continuous Micro-Movement: Ultra-supple body materials and soft rubber legs flutter and kick continuously with the slightest rod twitch or current seam.
  • Guide-Tested Performance: A staple in our guide boats, this pattern has proven its efficiency on river trips across seasons and varying water conditions.

How to Fish the Crittermite

  • Target Species: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Carp
  • Ideal Habitat: Rocky river riffles, boulder fields, deep ledges, and gravel runs
  • Recommended Technique: Cast upstream at a 45-degree angle, let the fly sink to the bottom, and dead-drift it with occasional light twitches to simulate a crawling nymph.
  • Under a Floating Indicator: Fish these dead drift across the bottom.  Focus on cobblestone riffles where the natural hellgrammites are found.  Place your indicator 1.5 times the depth of the water you are fishing.  Don't hesitate to add a split shot 12-24" above the fly to help it quickly get down in the faster current.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping Information

We ship orders Tuesday through Saturday. Orders placed before 12:00 PM EST are typically processed the same day. Orders placed after 11:00 AM EST or on weekends will be processed the next business day (our USPS closes at 11:30.

Shipping Options

  • Standard Shipping (USPS / UPS Ground): 3–7 business days
  • Expedited Shipping (UPS 2-Day): 2 business days
  • Overnight Shipping (UPS Next Day Air): 1 business day

Shipping times are estimates and may vary during peak seasons or due to carrier delays.

Free Custom Rigging & Spooling

When you purchase a fly rod outfit from Murray's Fly Shop, we are happy to professionally spool your reel with line and backing at no extra charge before shipping. To take advantage of this service, please email us your order number after checkout and specify your preferred retrieve (left-hand or right-hand wind) and reel color preference.

Return Policy

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you are not happy with your order for any reason, we are here to help.

Returns

  • Items may be returned within 30 days of delivery for a full refund or exchange.
  • Items must be in original, unused condition with all original packaging and tags attached.
  • Custom-spooled reels and fly lines that have been used on the water are not eligible for return.
  • Sale and clearance items are final sale and cannot be returned.

How to Return an Item

  1. Email us at [info@murraysflyshop.com] with your order number, valid phone number and reason for return.
  2. We will provide a return authorization and shipping instructions.
  3. Pack the item securely and ship it back to us. We recommend using a trackable shipping method.
  4. Once we receive and inspect the return, we will process your refund or exchange within 5–7 business days.

Damaged or Incorrect Items

If you received a damaged or incorrect item, please contact us within 7 days of delivery and we will make it right at no cost to you.

Warranty Claims

Many of the products we carry — including Orvis, Scott, Winston, and St. Croix fly rods — come with manufacturer warranties. If you need to make a warranty claim, please contact us and we will help guide you through the process with the manufacturer.  Please follow all instructions included with your rod, reel, waders regarding registration requirements.  (Almost all Fly Rod Manufacturers require registration for your warranty to be valid.)

Contact Us

Questions about your order, shipping, or a return? We're happy to help.

  • Email: info@murraysflyshop.com
  • Phone: 540-984-4212
  • Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9-4 | Saturday 9-3 | Sunday Closed - All times are Eastern Time Zone
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