Well, Midges – the most prolific bug in,on and around water…especially NOW…

Michael, freezing on the Owens River in January. 2004…

Here are some patterns I have whipped up based on the proven ties by a bunch of fellows I will mention in the text of this post . Here is some background on the bugs which Jeremy Barella produced for FAOL:

DIPTERA

PEARL MIDGE

HOOK: TMC 2488, # 18 – #24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer White

ABDOMEN: Pearl Krystal Flash

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Black, x-sm

Based on a Pat Dorsey pattern that was developed for Colorado waters…Might look a bit like this.

AQUACHIRONO MIDGE

HOOK: Mustad, C49S , #18 -#22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0 Sheer White and Black

ABDOMEN: White Tying Thread

RIB: 1 strand of Chironomid Pearl Braid Red

THORAX: Peacock Herl

BEAD: Spirit River, Ruby Red, X-SM

COATING: 2 coats of Aquahead on abdomen before tying in Peacock Herl twisted over black thread

I tied this pattern specifically for the East Walker River where I have enjoyed success with red ribbed midges on a white base abdomen. Chironomid Pearl Braid comes in many colors from Hareline. It is fragile. I use the Aquahead to enhance fly durability and to add a medium of translucency to the finished product.

BROWN BRAID JF

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, #18 – # 24

THREAD: Gordon Griffith, 14/0, Sheer Brown

RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Peacock

WING: 2 Strands of Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

THORAX: SLF PRISM Peacock

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Gun Metal, X-SM

COATING: Aquahead

Based on the Jude Duran, Johnny Flash Midge which originated on the San Juan River. I added an SLF PRISM thorax (thank you Davy Wotton) because this material is extremely effective on ANY pattern to which it is affixed. That has been my experience. The Gun Metal Bead has worked for me on many patterns that I have used on the Owens River…why mess with a good thing? I have the utmost confidence in this Fly…

VIN KF HOT

HOOK: Daiichi, 1130,#18- # 20

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0 Sheer Red

ABDOMEN: Tying thread

RIB: Rusty Brown Krystal Flash, 2 trands, twisted, 6 turns

OVERABDOMEN: UTC, Vinyl Rib, MDG, Clear

BEAD: Spirit River, Ruby Red, X-SM

Another pattern for the East Walker River in cold weather, similar to many patterns in Red that are used on the San Juan. I like the definition that Vinyl Rib provides to the fly. A number of San Juan Red Midge Pupa and Larva may be viewed on this site:

Mike Mora

TUBE FLASHER SLF

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #18 – #22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: UTC Mylar Tinsel, Silver side, SM

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Amber

THORAX: SLF Prism, Olive/Brown

BEAD: Gold, 5/64 or 1/16

A Davy Wotton pattern for the White River in Arkansas – they work just fine on Eastern Sierra Tailwaters.It may also be tied using Black, Red , Green or Peacock tubing using the appropriate SLF PRISM for the Thorax – appropriate being in the mind of the TROUT…

ICE CREME SLF (Black)

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18-# 20

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Lagartun ,Silver, SM or X-SM

THORAX: SLF PRISM Black

BEAD: Spirit River, White, 5/64 or 1/16

I tied these up for use on the Owens River for late February and early March when there is a preponderance of tiny Black Midges in the River’s Biomass. They would also be effective fished deep on some high elevation lakes that are in the backcountry – later in the year…

ICE TUBE

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0. Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: Chironomid Braid Pearl Black

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Black, 6-7 turns

THORAX: 50/50 Mix, Black Ice Dub and SLF PRISM Black

BEAD: Silver, 5/64 or 1/16

Another pattern for the East Walker and Owens River for the Winter and into early Spring. They have not seen this one before…

MB CHIRONO JF

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, # 18 – # 20

THREAD: Uni, 8/0, Camel

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Chartreuse

COATING: Aquahead, 2 coats

WING: Pearl Krystal Flash, 3 strands

THORAX: Olive /Brown Ice Dub

Bead: Spirit River Metallic Brown, SM

A midge when the Trout want shades of BROWN in the Johnny Flash style. It would also be a passable BWO pattern in the Spring in some spots on the Lower “O”…

KEITH’S PURPLE DISBELIEF

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0 Sheer Black, UTC 70, Dark Gray

ABDOMEN: Gray Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

RIB: Wapsi, Wine, X-SM

WING: Royal Blue Krystal Flash, 3 strands

THORAX: ICE DUB, UV Dun

BEAD: Spirit River, Charcoal Metallic, SM

There is an acquaintance of mine named KEITH who squawked “PURPLE?” when he saw this pattern on my FB page. Well, he will squawk directly to his vise when I post some photos on his wall of just what this fly, in this color, can do. And, having named it after him, I will live rent free in his head…forever…heh,heh – This is an old RAM Caddis color…It has resurfaced on the Madison in a Mayfly pattern known as the ” Purple Haze”…

CHARTY TUBE

HOOK: Daiichi, 1140, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Danville 6/0, Chartreuse – Gordon Griffiths 14/0 Sheer Black

UNDER RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Chartreuse, 5 turns

OVER ABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Chartreuse

THORAX: One strand Peacock Herl twisted around black thread

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Caddis Green

Someone once said, ” If it is CHARTREUSE it works”…THE END

CREME RB OZ

HOOK: TMC 200R, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer White, 14/0 Brown

ABDOMEN: White tying thread

RIB: 3 strands twisted Pearl Krystal Flash

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Cream

THORAX: Brown Ostrich Herl

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Rootbeer, SM or X-SM

Wanted a Midge in Cream with a hint of gas beneath, hence the Pearl KF and some motion at the thorax. This may work as a good Micro Caddis at the right time of the year,,,

TUBE # 47

HOOK: MUSTAD, C49S, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Danville # 47, 6/0, Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Brown

TAIL: 1 strand of Pearl Krystal Flash

Abdomen: # 47 Tying Thread

OVER ABDOMEN: Hareline Salcup’s Micro Tubing Pheasant Tail

RIB: Wapsi Silver X-SM or Lagartun X Fine

THORAX: Olive/Brown Ice Dub

WINGCASE: 6 Strands of Pearl FireFly

BEAD: Black Nickel, 5/64 or 1/16

A small Midge or Mayfly pattern that has that magical ingredient of Danville # 47 thread. This is an adaptation of the Vince Wilcox VW pattern…his flies slay…

GB HOLO CHARTY

Hook: Daiichi, 1130, #18 -# 22

Thread: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Olive

ABDOMEM: SLF PRISM Light Olive

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Olive

THORAX: Ice Dub Caddis Green

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn, Clear White

BEAD: Spirit River, Emerald, SM or X-SM

Flashy – in that color that seems to work just about…anywhere…

GLASSHEAD OLIVE GILLIE

HOOK: TMC 220R, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Sheer Olive

BREATHER: Sparkle Emerger Yarn Clear/White

TAIL: 1 strand Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

RIB: Wapsi Silver Wire, X-sm

WINGPADS: Goose Biots , Tan Orange or Brown

THORAX: ICE DUB ,Peacock

BEAD: Mercury Silver, Spirit River, X-SM

I have pictured this pattern in a previous post. It may be tied in a great number of colors. This fly is a good one…

BLACK RB GILLIE

HOOK: Daiichi 1130 or Mustad C49S, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Black

TAIL: 1 Strand, Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Wapsi, Red Metallic Wire, X-SM

WINGPADS: Goose Biot, Tan, Brown or Orange

THORAX: SLF PRISM Peacock

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Scarlet

A variation on the Gille without the breathers at the bend. One’s imagination could drift…

RED KEY

HOOK: Mustad C49S, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Red

TAIL: 1 Strand Purple Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: 3 Strands purple Krystal Flash ,Twisted

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn Clear/ White

THORAX: ICE DUB Black

Another in the series of Red Midges that I use. This one is for the East Walker River, below the “Glory Hole”.

PALINISTA – (apologies to EVA)

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 -#20

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Red, White

TAIL: 1 Strand Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN:White Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Mucro Tubing, Clear

RIB: Wapsi Silver Wire, X-SM

WING: Grizzly Krystal Flash Back and White

THORAX: Arizona Diamond Hair Pearl Green or Blue

BEAD: Silver, 5/64 or 1/16

OK, I know…the colors are proven – Rainbows like blue…and, it might even work in Argentina…

RUSTY RED RIB

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Sheer Red

TAIL: Rusty Brown Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing ,Clear

RIB: Wapsi, Red Metallic, X-SM

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn, Clear/White

THORAX: Firestar Red/Orange

BEAD: Ruby Red, X-SM

A firey Red Midge for all Eastern Sierra waters and beyond…

SIMPLE FLO

HOOK: TMC 2488, # 18 – # 24

ABDOMEN: UTC 70, Fl. White

BEAD: Killer Caddis Black, SM or X-SM

Yes, it works….

MORE MIDGES

Time to get crackin’ on some “EVIL WEEVILS“…

PT/TB

The first time I introduced my son to Fly Fishing was on Father’s Day weekend in June, 1987. Jean and I went to Bridgeport, CA to try our luck at Virginia Lakes, the East Walker River and Green Creek. Michael was four at the time and was required to put on an overly large orange life jacket to go out in a boat on the waters of Little Virginia Lake. He looked like the “stay puffed” marshmallow man… Michael has a video of this excursion, that Jean put together, which I will post herein when he brings it to me and shows his computer illiterate Father how to do it…There is a portion of the clip in which I bring a dry, # 18, beetle caught Trout to the boat, lift it up and swing it back – boinking the tot directly in the kisser..what an intro to FF!!!

This is PT, Michael and “PINKY” at the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery, near Independence, CA on Oak Creek, in 1985. I weaned the “Moo” on trips to this location so he could see the life cycle of hatchery raised Trout. He always got a nickel to buy the little brown pellets to feed to the brood stock in the pond behind us. That is where Michael saw his first “rising” big fish…

Michael -AKA: “MOO”, scoping out the Brook Trout in a holding pen…

I believe that to get kids interested in Fly Fishing, they must first have the experience of feeling the tug of a Trout on the end of their line. This is Michael on a trip to lone Pine, CA with PT and my Father at the Symms Creek Sandtrap. This a great location to introfish with kids – swivel, bubble, 5x tippet , #20 treble hook and POWERBAIT… the fish are stockers…My Dad would chide Michael by saying, “You puttin’ bubble gum on that hook again?“…

My first Tout was caught on a Bamboo pole with an Eagle Claw hook in a pond at the Sportsman’s Lodge on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, CA using bread dough…

It did not look like this back in the early 1950’s…but it was really close – I could ride my bike down the hill to get there..

Later, in June 1987, Jean, Michael and I spent a long camping weekend up at Monache Meadows, on the South Fork of the Kern River. Michael went out with me and learned how to drift a cripple Caddis behind boulders to entice the Golden/Rainbow hybrids up and out of their lairs…

Michael, crashed out after a nice long hike up along the South Fork of the Kern River..

Within a year, Michael had learned how to tie a Uni Knot and set up his rig for Fly Fishing. His next trip up to Monache resulted in his first Golden – unassisted…

“MOO” with his first Golden Trout…

Working the water on the South Fork of the Kern…with a Winston 7 1/2′ Fiberglass Rod and Hardy Reel..

Michael learned how to “read” water by walking directly down the middle of Lone Pine Creek, below Mt. Whitney with a fly rod, six inches of 5x tippet, #20 treble hook and, salmon eggs or red worms. Here he is instructing his sister Ally on the method…

When we were not fishing, we pursued another favorite pastime – looking for arrowheads in the blistering heat of the Qwens Valley…

Michael sucking on a Villa Rica, GA product standing at “Charlie’s Butte” in the Owens Valley…

Michael soon learned the fine art of nymphing, swinging wet flies, dry fly tactics and bugger and streamer draggin’. Here, he works a wet along the bank of the East Walker River in Bridgeport, CA using a 10′, 5wt, Scott “G” Series and a RAM Caddis…

Ally, of course, was not to be left out. While Michael fished with a fly and bubble on Trumbull Lake, Ally went to the bubble and POWERBAIT technique which netted her this nice Rainbow stocker which she allowed her brother to hold…

Through the years, Michael has become quite accomplished at FF…here is a series of his experiences on some wonderful rivers, creeks and lakes throughout the West…

Michael at Hot Creek,CA…

Michael with his “Alpers” Trout at Little Virginia Lake, Bridgeport, CA…

Michael and Ally overlooking the Madison River Valley after a “FINE” meal at the Continental Divide in Ennis, MT…

Michael and Ally getting ready to wet a line at North Lake, Bishop, CA in the snow…

Cookie munchers at the Palisades, along the Madison River on a very cold and windy day…

Michael and Ally after a day of FF on the Boulder River, MT….

Michael on the Boulder River, MT…

Michael, freaking Ally out with a gift on the Stillwater River, MT…

Rigging a Wooly Bugger, Owens River, below Five Bridges…

Michael, working an # 18 H & L Variant on the Stillwater River, MT during a PMD hatch…

H & L Variant ( River Stone Gallery)…

In the Madison River, below Varney Bridge, Cameron, MT…

With a nice Brown, imitating Brad Pitt, above $3.00 Bridge, Madison River, MT…

A feisty Brown on The Madison…

“Which Fly should I use, Dad”,,,Wild Trout Section, Owens River…

Stillwater River, MT…a fish to hand…

“One last cast, Dad?”…Zipping a Seal Bugger with a Fly and Bubble, Lone Pine Creek Sand Trap…

DR’S SEAL BUGGER:

Creme Brule at the Continental Divide in Ennis, MT…

Michael’s “other” favorite pastime, Absarokee, MT…

In the “Honey Hole”, Madison River, MT…

Fishing up through a run on the Lower Owens River, Bishop, CA…

Michael on the West Walker River, above Bridgeport, CA…

PT makes a pit stop on the Owens River, below Five Bridges…

Angelo and Michael on the Lower Owens River…

That Place…

Hot Creek, as an adult…

A freezing day on the Upper Owens River…

On the East Walker River…shmutz on the Fly…

Michael and Ally on the Madison River…

Goose Lake, looking for the Obsidian thingees that are pointy…

Chest high in the Wild Trout Section, Owens River…

The GIFT I got….

“Children may fail to listen to what you say, they will NEVER fail to watch what you do “…

PT/TB

Midge time!!!

This is a Bruce A. Smith pattern that has found it’s niche in Eastern Sierra waters. Tom Loe offers these guys on his site ( SIERRA DRIFTERS). They are a fairly easy tie…That ,will follow, when I put up another eighteen Midge Patterns…Soon….

Glasshead Gillie - Olive…

In the meantime, here are some thoughts to consider when tying Midge Pupa patterns:

Thoughts # 1

Thoughts # 2

Thoughts # 3

And, some thoughts on great VISES under $200.00 from FLY FISH OHIO

With thanks to Ray Kunz at the FFF

PT/TB

I love cooking for my kids. This is what I did on my Veteran’s Day…

Ally…

Ally’s BF, Josh…

And, took a BREAK from these MIDGE recipes which are almost done…

Here: are some MIDGE PATTERNS that I put up last Fall…For Midge Maniacs, here is an interesting article on “How to hook fish on tiny flies”…

PT/TB

I don’t like being cold or wet when I am Fly Fishing. What follows are some products which have served me well through the years – snow flying sideways, blowing, horizontal rain and ice in the guides…

Patagonia:

Talus Jacket

I use this as an outer layer and underneath this if it is snowing or raining:

Simms Guide Jacket

I have been using the same Simms Guide (Gore Tex ) Jacket that I picked up in 2001… Don’t need the bells and whistles. I like their products!!!

For base layers, I go with the Fred Segal T- Shirts ( “Mod -O-Doc” ) that are ONLY available at their shop on Melrose because they are the softest T-Shirts that I have ever found – ( and because. the eye candy therein is absolutely unbelievable when browsing that store and restaurant)…I cover it with:

Patagonia R1 Pullover

If it is REALLY cold, I add this:

Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover

Which compresses well under the Talus Jacket…

Bottoms are: Patagonia Capilene 1,2,3,or 4

covered with:

Simms Guide Fleece Pant

Head

This is very important , it is where a majority of the body’s heat can escape…

Patagonia Synchilla Alpine Hat

or:

Patagonia Warm One Beanie

Hands:

Simms Windstopper Half – Finger Gloves

Cloudveil, Run Don’t Walk Glove

SEALSKINZ Waterproof Gloves

I am fortunate to live in Los Angeles. There are many locations where I may find these products, I especially like to go up to Ventura and drop in at Great Pacific Ironworks, the first Patagonia Store – which I have visited for many years…And, the proprietor likes to FF…
Mighty Midget Emerger

A Yvon Chouinard Pattern, From Blue Ribbon Flies Newsletter…

PT/TB

After I get the story of Michael up ( finally) – I will be posting some new Midge patterns and then some variations on Jeremy Davies’ famous ” Evil Weevil”…seen here:

Instructions for tying may be found at:

Hipwader

Right now, I kinda’ feel like this guy…

Angelo “Diablo” Barker, hunkered down in the snow, White Mtns., Eastern Sierras…

New stuff to play with…

Hump-Bak™ Glass Beads
Designed with an offset hole, these beads are the ticket for Bubble-Bak™ or Flash-Bak™ patterns. Perfect for sizes 12 – 18.
Available in the colors below
177 Blue 251 Smoke 257 Copper Sheen 250 Clear Rainbow 254 Roe Red 471 Pearl

PT/TB

Dave Wiltshire, DW Fly Fishing & Tying, ties great patterns. Here is a selection of BRASSIES that he recently added to his BLOG . They certainly would be appropriate for imitating Midges in the upcoming cold weather season. Give him a visit, He also has some interesting Baetis patterns that I find provoking…

The tying sequence for this pattern may be found at:

FRONT RANGE ANGLERS

PT/TB

I will post our early fishing experiences when I have a chance to speak with my son.

He is currently occupied:

With his Sisters…

PT/TB

Cruisin’ around the Ether, I picked up on this interesting piece , posted today, (10.15.09) at:

The Fiberglass Manifesto BLOG

These are the new Sweetgrass Fiberglass Fly Rods…TFM is

Cameron Mortenson’s

most excellent BLOG…Stop on by and find out more about these new offerings from The Twin Bridges, MT, “Boo Boys”…Rod lengths, weights and how to order…I love FIBERGLASS…

So does Ally, back channel – below Varney Bridge, Madison River, MT….

PT/TB

Here they is:

PHOTO: “BAETIS” – John Jurasek, Blue Ribbon Flies Newsletter

The prolific little bugs that love to hatch on overcast, blustery, rainy, snowy, miserable and memorable days on waters everywhere. I LOVE these guys…

OLIVE/BROWN Baetis…

Hook: TMC 2487, Diiachi 1130, #16-24 (Fall SMALL)

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, olive or gray

TAIL: Three olive or brown Pheasant tail fibers

Rib: Gold Largutan extra fine wire

ABDOMEN: Wapsi thread, Olive Brown

THORAX: SLF Prism ,Olive Brown, picked out

WINGCASE: Black Krystal Flash or Firefly

BEAD: Gold

I have used this fly on the Owens, Hot Creek and The East Walker River in the Fall with success by fishing it deep prior to a hatch, The black KF version works best trailed off an emerger – about 12′ of tippet material off the bend…

John Barr’s BWO Emerger…

HOOK: TMC 101, # 16 – # 24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Gray

TAIL:Dun Hen Hackle fibers, clipped

ABDOMEN: Stalcups BWO Dubbing

THORAX: Adams Gray Superfine or Muskrat Gray

WINGCASE/ LEGS: Bunch of Dun Hen Hackle tied over, evenly separated and tied back

John Barr developed this pattern a long time ago – it still works. Fish it deep or through the water column. I sometimes pull Black KF over the top above the hen hackle to give the fly a sight hump. The hen hackle fibers are retained for legs…

Foam Baetis Emerger…

HOOK: TMC 100, #18-#24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0, Olive or Gray

TAIL/SHUCK: Olive or Olive Brown Zelon

RIB: Largutan, Gold, extra fine wire

ABDOMEN: Olive or Natural Pheasant Tail

THORAX: Dk. Olive ,Stalcup’s Baetis dubbing, picked out

WINGCASE/TAG: Razor Foam, Gray

This is a good flat water, stuck emerger. I use it along edges on the Owens and on waters where the Trout are in the tipped back sipping mode – picking off easy prey. I find this on really cold days when it takes a little longer for the bugs to get off the surface film…

Pheasant Tail…

HOOK: TMC 3761, #16-#20

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0, Brown

TAIL: Natural Pheasant Tail Fiber or Olive

RIB: Largutan, Gold, Extra Fine or XSM Wapsi Wire, copper

ABDOMEN: Pheasant Tail Fibers, natural or Olive

THORAX: Peacock Herl, SLF Prism ,Olive Brown,Arizona Peacock (natural), Ice Dub, Olive Brown,Ostrich Herl- Olive, Brown and Dark Gray

BEAD: Gold or Copper

WINGCASE/ LEGS: Pheasant Tail Fibers, pulled over and separated, Natural or Olive

This is the American standard. Through the years, I have tied it using different kinds of materials for the thorax. With the arrival of Dyed Pheasant Tail, I have tied it in Black, Red, Yellow and Green…get the picture? IT SLAYS…

EthaDun BWO Parachute…

HOOK: TMC 100, #16-#24, TMC 102Y, # 17- #21

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0, Olive, Brown, Gray

TAIL: Microfibetts, color to match thread

ABDOMEN: Turkey or Goose Biot, fringed- tan, olive, gray

THORAX: Flyrite, Super Fine or Stalcups – Lt. Olive, Dk. Olive, Olive/ Brown, Brown/Olive

HACKLE: Premium Dun

WING: Ethafoam or Evazote – Gray or colored Gray

One of my favorite dry patterns. I don’t use dries a lot. I learned early on from Georges Odier that 90% of the time, Trout feed below the surface. However, there is just something irresistible about dry fly fishing and this pattern floats well and produces…

GRHare’s Ear…

HOOK: TMC 3769 #16-#20, Diiachi 1560, #16-#18, TMC 100, #16-#24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0, Gray, Olive, Brown

TAIL: Stiff Hare’s Ear – from Mask

RIB: Gold Mylar Tinsel, SM

ABDOMEN: Fur from a hares mask # 3

THORAX: Spiky, darker Hare’s Mask Fur # 4

WINGCASE: Mottled Turkey Tail Fiber Section

This is another Standard pattern. I tie this pattern in Natural, Olive, Dun and Black. The first there colors work well for Baetis / BWO’s. They are all in their appropriate slots in my Nymph Boxes. Here is a good tutorial from Hipwader on this essential fly… I do not use weight for smaller patterns…

Hipwader Tutorial GRHE

Quasimodo Pheasant Tail…

HOOK: TMC 2487, #16-#24, Diiachi 1130, # 16-#24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0, Brown

TAIL: Pheasant Tail Fibers- Natural,Olive,

RIB: Gold Largutan, extra fine wire or Wapsi xsm Copper wire

ABDOMEN: Pheasant Tail Fibers, Natural or Olive

THORAX: Peacock Herl, Peacock SLF Prism, Arizona Peacock, Ice Dub Olive/Brown

WINGCASE/ LEGS: Pheasant Tail Fibers, pulled over, separated and tied back. Black, Pearl or Peacock KF works too!!!

BEAD: Gold or Copper

Kinda’ looks like Charles Lawton…This is an alternative to the classic PT. Hunched and curved it gives the impression of SQUIRMY in the water column. Jeremy Davies swears by this hook and it’s heavier versions for the holding capability …Works for me…

BWO Emerging Dun…

HOOK: TMC 2487,#16-#24, Diiachi 1130 #16- #24, Mustad C49S ,#16-#24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0, Olive, Brown, Gray

TAIL: Zelon, Olive/Brown, Olive or Brown

RIB: Optional, Largutan extra fine, Gold

ABDOMEN: Goose or Turkey Biot, Fringed, BWO, Olive, Tan,Gray

WING: Reversed Half Hackle Wing, Premium Dun or Lt. Olive

HACKLE: Premium Dun or Grizzly Dun, clipped at bottom

This FLY catches fish. It has a great profile, hangs like an emerger should and floats in every condition except the roughest water. I came across this pattern years ago and finally worked up the gumption to deal with the wings. After a number of tries, it became easy..try some, the fish like it…

BWO/ BAETIS ZELON EMERGING DUN…

HOOK: TMC 1oo. #18-#24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0 Olive or Gray

TAIL/ SHUCK: Amber or Gold Zelon

ABDOMEN: Sm. amount of Gray Superfine or Stalcup’s BWO Dub for #18-#20, Thread for smaller ties

THORAX: Small amount of Gray Superfine or Stalcup’s Baetis or BWO Dubbing

WING: Med. Dun Hi-Vis, Upright, spread with fingernail, clipped in back

HACKLE: Premium Dun

Notice the 7X Mono in the eye…this fly produced for me on a wet, windy, cold day on the Wild Trout section of the Owens River. No one else was there but me and the Trout…

Freezing rain on the Owens, GOOD Baetis/BWO conditions…

Glass Bead Emerger…

HOOK: TMC 200R, # 16-#24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0, Olive Brown or Gray

BEAD: Glass Metallic or Pearl

TAIL: Pheasant Tail fibers

ABDOMEN: Goose or Turkey Biot, fringed, Tan, BWO, Olive or Gray

THORAX: Fly-Rite mixed with Hare’s Ear or Muskrat, picked out

WING: Mallard Flank, Gray or Lemon Wood Duck, posted and covered by dubbing

This is a very good soft water fly pattern. I use HYROPHOBE on the thorax section of the fly ONLY. If it tilts over, no matter, the fish rise to it anyway. Lots of fun with this on The East Walker River…

Starling BWO…

HOOK: Alec Jackson, North Country, # 17-#19, TMC 3761 #18-#20, TMC 2488, #18-#24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/o, Gray, Olive or Benecchi, 12/0 ,Tan

RIB: Largutan extra fine wire, Gold

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

THORAX: Muskrat dubbing

HACKLE: Starling

I enjoy swinging soft Hackles. This is an easy tie and the fishees seem to like it anywhere it drops in…

Silver Wing Case PT…

I include this fly, which has a silver Mylar wing case, because one day – on The Madison River, above $3.00 Bridge, at about 6AM in Mid-September, I hooked six of the largest Browns and Rainbows that I have ever brought to a net …on this fly in size # 20…

In THIS SPOT – On the Madison River

I don’t remember when or why I was inspired to tie this particular fellow. This is the same fly…hook not bent…go figure…

Tan Biot KF Emerger…

HOOK: Diiachi 1560, #16-#18, TMC 3761, # 16-#20, TMC 2488, #16-#24

Thread: Gordon Griffiths 14/0, Tan

Tail: Olive or Amber Zelon

RIB: Optional. Largutan, extra fine Gold Wire

THORAX: Olive Ostrich Herl

WINCASE/ LEGS: Peacock, Pearl or Black Krystal Flash

This is my favorite Fall BWO/ Baetis Emerger. I fish it deep with twist-ons…It has worked like a charm here:

The Owens River, below Five Bridges…

MORE:

BAETIS/BWO’s # 1

BAETIS/ BWO’s # 2

PT/TB