The Rio Bandito
Find everything you need to buy or tie the Rio Bandito, one of our signature patterns here at Living Waters Fly Fishing.
A lot of crayfish patterns focus on realism, and Chris has found that many of them catch more anglers than fish. He tied the Rio Bandito to imitate a juvenile crayfish, with movement and profile first. Australian possum and rubber legs keep it alive on the strip, and it holds a crayfish shape even at rest. It’s been eaten countless times sitting perfectly still. It’s also quick to tie, so Chris isn’t afraid to throw it into the snags where crayfish live.
The Rio Bandito has caught bass, sunfish, carp, cichlids and more than its share of trout. Give it a try. We think it’ll earn a permanent spot in your box, like it has in Chris’s.
RECIPE
Hook: TMC 403BLJ, Size #8-16
Bead: Slotted Tungsten, Red
Thread: Veevus 8/0 or 10/0, Orange
Tail: Aussie Possum, Crawfish Orange
Legs: Sili Legs Nymph, Pumpkin Barred
Body: Aussie Possum, Crawfish Orange
Learn How to Tie the Rio Bandito!
Shop Everything Rio Bandito
Rio Bandito Fly - Johnson's
LWFF Custom Aussie Possum - Rio Bandito
Tiemco TMC 403BLJ Hook
Umpqua Tungsten Slotted Beads
Hareline Grizzly Micro Legs
Hareline Micro Silicone Legs
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Purpose and Mission
To honor and glorify Jesus Christ by providing exemplary service, products, and information to every person who enters our doors and shares our waters.
To educate and equip future anglers to carry on the legacy of fly fishing. To be good stewards of our rivers and to make every effort possible to leave the environment better than we found it!
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. - John 7:38