March Bown CDC Loop Wing emerger patterns
Above photo: March Brown CDC loop wing emerger tied on a #16 TMC 206 BL
Around the end of November, I am already planning out my early spring fly boxes, and when I think of spring, I think of March Browns, Hendrickson hatches, and early little stoneflies. My loop wing emergers are well underway for next year, and I always start with March Browns. Stenonema Vicarium are aggressive mayflies that are very athletic to say the least. They draw slashing rises, even midair assaults from both Rainbows and Browns on occasion. Because the water in the early part of the spring can be discolored and murky, I specifically tie using a small amount of UV fibers, typically paired with Beaver Belly or Awesome Possum. Using Kapok for the sub-thorax as a very buoyant life jacket makes for a great floater.
On my mayfly emergers specifically, I use cream antron for trailing shucks or tails instead of barred wood duck or flank fibers. Towards the middle of the season, I tend to use more natural fibers as the trout become more wary and spooky. The spring is a good time for a little flash, and I am a die-hard no frills tyer, but a bit of sparkle is effective given the water conditions.
This is one of my favorite patterns to start the season with, and I hand these out like popcorn often when I visit the Grand River in Ontario every year. I strip and dye most of my own peacock to get a lifelike colorway for the March Brown, which often leans more towards yellow-brown.
The Tiemco 206 BL is an outstanding hook, not only for emergers but also for soft hackles.
This light wire hook is a faithful hooker and holder. The C-shape also lends itself to caddis larvae profiles. It is one of my top three hook platforms.
Dubbing thoraxes is always a creative endeavor. Floatability is essential in the spring when the water is running higher and typically faster. So, using Kapok as a sub-thorax fiber topped with Beaver Belly or Awesome Possum creates a very buoyant life jacket for your fly. This also allows you to create a wing case that uses only one CDC feather instead of two, because of the additional floatation.
Please give this pattern a try; it has served me well as a springtime staple. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from my fly-tying bench.
~Clint Bova www.cjbovarods.com
