Murray’s Regular Hellgrammite: The Original All-Purpose Bass Fly Master the Shallows with the Fly That Started it All The Original Murray’s Hellgrammite is the foundation of our smallmouth bass system. Unlike heavily weighted patterns, the "Regular" style is tied to maintain a natural, neutral dead drift in the water column. This makes it the most effective imitation of a swimming hellgrammite ever designed. Why the "Regular" Style is Essential While the Heavy version is for the depths, the Regular Hellgrammite excels in the "feeding zones" of the river. If you are fishing shallow riffles, mid-depth runs, or looking for a fly with maximum "action", this is the pattern you need. Proven Fishing Tactics: The "Popper-Dropper" Specialist: Because it isn't over-weighted, the Regular Hellgrammite is one of our guides' go to popper dropper flies. Tie it 24 inches behind a Shenandoah Blue Popper to target bass that are wary of rising to the surface or simply as a strike indicator. Shallow Water Dead-Drift: Cast into the "tails" of riffles or across shallow rock gardens. The ostrich herl breathes and undulates with the slightest current, mimicking a natural dobsonfly larva searching for a new home. The "Slow Swim" Retrieve: Cast across the current and allow the fly to swing. Use a slow, rhythmic "swimming" retrieve to trigger aggressive strikes from smallmouth bass patrolling the shady banks, deep ledges and drop-offs. Performance Features: Neutral Sink Rate: Stays in the strike zone longer without snagging on the bottom in shallow runs. Premium Ostrich Herl: Hand-selected fibers provide the lifelike, 360-degree "undulating" motion that triggers strikes from big fish. Multi-Species Appeal: A "secret weapon" for large trout in the Rockies and Alaska when they are keyed in on larger aquatic insects and minnows. Check out Harry's article on the Creation of the Murray's Hellgrammite on our Blog.
