JuJu Baetis
Imitates: BWO (Baetis) nymph or emerger
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #18-22
- Best Season
- Spring and Fall (BWO season)
- Best Conditions
- Tailwaters during BWO hatches, overcast, picky trout
- Water Temp
- 45-60°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 6X fluorocarbon
How to Rig It
Trailer behind a heavier nymph or indicator rig. Fish 12-18" off a Pheasant Tail.
How to Present It
Dead-drift through slow tailouts and seams during a BWO hatch. The slim resin body keys on fish refusing standard nymphs.
Why It Works
Charlie Craven designed it to imitate the slim, glassy profile of a real Baetis nymph. Super hair body coated in UV resin gives a translucent, segmented look that fools the most pressured tailwater fish on Earth.
History
Charlie Craven, owner of Charlie's Fly Box in Colorado, developed the JuJu series for the Frying Pan and South Platte tailwaters. It's now the standard winter/spring BWO nymph in the Rockies.
Pro Tip
Carry it in #20 black, #20 gray, and #22 olive. On the South Platte during a Feb BWO emergence, this fly out-fishes everything in the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the JuJu Baetis at its best?+
During BWO hatches in spring and fall, especially on tailwaters with selective fish. Overcast days extend the window.
Beadhead or no bead?+
No bead — the JuJu is meant to ride high in the column as an emerger. Add weight up the leader if you need depth.
Not sure if JuJu Baetis is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
Open Fly Advisor
Map
Fly Guide