Fly of the Week: Film Critic PMD

Here is a fly that is arguably one of the greatest PMD emerger/cripple patterns available today. Tied by the great Bob Quigley for places like the Fall River, Bob uses advanced techniques with the hackle and post to display realistic fly vulnerability. By doing so, Bob created an irresistible look no trout can turn down in the heat of a late morning PMD hatch.

Bob truly paved the way for fly tiers before he passed away in June 2012 from prostate cancer. His innovative techniques altered the way we think of tying flies and improved what we carry in our fly boxes.

The fly is tied on an emerger style hook. The lower half hangs below the surface, while the upper half rides the film, perceiving a defenseless PMD struggling to emerge away from the shuck. All trout will eat it when the time is right, but I have noticed Westslope Cutthroat find it extremely appealing. Fish it behind a bigger dry fly, or drop a light nymph off the back for killer dual fly action. The best way to prep the Film Critic is to dab a little Loon Sinket on the nymph side of the fly and floatant on the dry side for the best presentation.

This is a perfect fly to fish on spring creeks and tailwaters with light tippet. I have fished this fly on the Clark Fork, Kootenai, Coeur d’Alene, St. Joe, and Henry’s Fork with great success. Simply put, this fly is a must for every fly fisherman who intends on fishing a PMD hatch.

To purchase your Film Critic PMD click here.