Flies from the “February Room” podcast-Episode 12, Rivers of Patagonia, Where the Wild Crabs Are

The venerable Space Invader is a fine imitation of the crustaceans found in Chilean rivers

In the twelth installment of the February Room, Cristian Dufflocq dives deep into Chilean Patagonia, where this fly has done some work!

The rivers of Chile are full of odd little crustaceans. Damned if we can remember what they are called, nor do we care, but the trout grow fat and happy on the protein influx from these crab/crawdad hybrids. It just so turns out, one of our favorite all-time streamer flies, the original Space Invader (beware of ripoffs) imitates this important food source perfectly! The SI is tied on a Gamakatsu steelhead hook, has a barred marabou tail sprinkled with krystal flash, a chenille body wrapped with saddle hackle and wire, rubber legs, olive barred ostrich herl, and a dubbed head over dumbbell eyes.