Mayfly Sulphur Emerger Part 2
Above Photo: A TMC 212Y #17 is a wonderful hook for tiny emerger patterns.
In Part 1, I covered the adult dun sulphur and its merits in its more traditional pattern form. I used a hackle collar in an X-wrap configuration and maximized Kapok to achieve a high-floating abdomen. Again, at smaller microdun sizes, these combinations prove deadly for spooky technical quarry. Now, looking at sulphur emergers specifically, CDC loop wing configurations at smaller sizes, we address more technical applications. Using materials in a sparse and conservative way keeps things relatively wind-resistant. By wind-resistant, I mean using 6x tippets and smaller. Keeping the bulk down allows you to cast finer tippets, especially when facing the slightest breeze with a 2 or 1 weight line. I'm always considering my delivery method to be fly-specific; the fly drives the decision-making process for leader and tippet. For example, you probably do not want to cast a size 14 Humpy with a 2-weight in any kind of breeze, using 6x. It's simply not a great pairing.
Above photo: I blend Kapok with squirrel for an incredibly fine and high floating mixture.
So my point is the Sulphur as seen in the photo above, in a size #17, allows me to cast it using up to 8x on my 1 weight without any hiccups, even in a slight breeze. Your pairing of flies, water conditions, leader, and tippet is all seemingly so basic, but there are a lot of mistakes in reading the chessboard.
The sulfur emerger is slightly smaller than many early-season mayflies. Keeping the pattern sparse but not neglecting floatation is definitely a mantra. So again, we use Kapok mixed with squirrel for a high-floating dubbing blend in the thorax area. The CDC loop wing uses only a single feather, size #17 or smaller. I typically use two feathers for sizes 12-16. The Tiemco 212Y is a very fine wire by standards, but allows us to float it using a minimum of materials. The use of a single quill with a sparse clump of cream antron keeps everything relatively sparse for very light tippets. This is a killing pattern for me throughout the summer. Keep in mind that proportions are essential; you don't need a loop wing that extends beyond the hook's bend.Honestly, I have found that depending on the quality of your CDC the loop takes up about half a hook shank on a standard emerger hook.
~The Kapok Sulphur Emerger~
Hook: TMC 212Y #17-20
Thread: UTC Ultra 70 yellow or Semperfli Nano Silk
Body: Stripped peacock quill yellow
Shuck: Cream Antron (sparse clump)
Wing: CDC Cream (one feather only)
Thorax: Squirrel mixed with yellow and peach Kapok
This is a relatively simple emerger pattern that can be adjusted in size and colorways to imitate just about any mayfly imaginable. Dial in on the proportions, and you will be good to go. The next sulphur entry will cover a subsurface pattern. Thanks for letting me share!
Clint Bova www.cjbovarods.com
