Mayfly Life Cycle Patterns

Whilst it takes a while for the trout to switch on to the mayfly properly, even when they do seem more educated (and willing), you cannot ignore the nymphs and emerger patterns. There are many, many options when it comes to patterns. Here are a few examples to help through each stage.

1) The Nymph ~ Two possible options here:



Hook: Grip 12003 #12
Thread: 10/0 Powersilk, orange
Abdomen: Amber/ cream Awesome Possum
Thorax: Natural Awesome Possum
Rib: DNA (olive) & Copper wire twisted
Wing Buds & Back: Pheasant Tail fibres

Or the Pheasant Tail nymph:

Hook: B175 #12
Copper wire & Pheasant tail fibres only




2) The Emerger



Hook: TMC 103BL #13
Thread: 10/0 Powersilk, orange
Shuck: PT fibres & olive DNA
Abdomen: PT fibres & olive DNA twisted and wound
Thorax: Natural Awesome Possum
Wing: White & Khaki CDC

3) The Dun (also a possible option for the spent-spinner too)


Hook: TMC 102Y #11
Thread: 10/0 Powersilk, orange
Tail: Moose
Body: Awesome Possum, amber/cream
Rib: 6/0 brown silk
Post: TMC Aerowing, white
Thorax: Natural Awesome Possum
Hackle: Silver Badger

4) The Drowned Spinner (for sub-surface work)



Hook: TMC 102Y #11
Thread: 10/0 Powersilk, orange
Tail: Moose
Body: Awesome Possum, amber/cream
Rib: 6/0 brown silk
Thorax: Natural Awesome Possum
Hackle: Sunburst yellow hen / Coq de Leon hen (Olive) wound together

~ Dave