Umpqua Improved Merkin Tan / Sand

Umpqua Fly Improved Merkin is a modern take on Del Brown’s classic crab pattern, fine-tuned for selective permit and large bonefish. Tied with Sculpting Fiber instead of the original Aunt Lydia’s Sparkle Yarn, it keeps the proven Merkin profile while offering improved durability and consistent sink behaviour.

The trimmed, trapezoid-shaped body reduces flutter during the cast and helps the fly get down quickly into the strike zone. Barred, cream-coloured rubber legs give lifelike movement on short strips or gentle lifts, triggering takes from pressured fish on clear, shallow flats.

Built on strong saltwater hooks and weighted with lead barbell eyes, the Improved Merkin turns over cleanly and lands crab-like, ready to fish from the first strip. Tan/Sand is a versatile colour choice that imitates a wide range of flats crabs and blends well on bright bottom types.

• Type: Crab fly for saltwater fly fishing
• Target species: Permit and bonefish
• Material: Sculpting Fiber body with rubber legs
• Weighting: Lead barbell eyes for fast sink rate
• Colour: Tan/Sand
• Hook sizes: 2 and 4
• Hook: Strong saltwater pattern
• Presentation: Designed for shallow flats and clear water