Realistic Hellgrammite Backs
Tie realistic hellgrammite patterns with authentic detail and less time at the vise.
Realistic Hellgrammite Backs are ready-made, flexible backs designed to recreate the distinctive appearance of a natural hellgrammite. Each back accurately reproduces the segmented exoskeleton, pronounced grooves, powerful mandibles, and characteristic two-part tail, giving your finished fly a realistic profile without the need to shape these details by hand.
Made from durable, flexible material, they're easy to position over your fly body and secure with ribbing, making them suitable for both simple and highly detailed hellgrammite patterns.
For the most realistic result, pair them with Realistic Flexy Hellgrammite Legs to create a complete lifelike imitation.
Each pack contains 10 backs, enough to tie 10 flies.
Available in: Brown, Black, and Gray.
Hellgrammite Fly Fishing
Hellgrammites are the aquatic larval stage of the dobsonfly and are one of the largest aquatic insects found in many trout and smallmouth streams. They spend one to three years living among rocks in fast, well-oxygenated water before emerging as adults, making them a dependable food source for fish throughout much of the year.
Because hellgrammites live close to the riverbed, the key to fishing these patterns is getting them down quickly and keeping them there. A drag-free drift along the bottom is usually the most effective presentation. Fish them through riffles, pocket water, rocky runs, and deeper seams where naturals are commonly found.
Hellgrammites are poor swimmers and are most often dislodged by strong currents or rising water, so trout and smallmouth bass are used to seeing them tumble naturally along the bottom. Short upstream casts, maintaining good contact with the fly, and extending the drift downstream will often produce the best results. A strike indicator or Euro nymphing setup can make detecting subtle takes much easier.
While trout readily feed on hellgrammites, these patterns are especially effective for smallmouth bass, particularly in freestone rivers where hellgrammites are abundant. When fishing for smallmouth, don't hesitate to add an occasional slight lift or twitch near the end of the drift to imitate a struggling larva.