photos: Clint Bova Many waterborne specimens in the spring are slightly darker shades like the Hendricksons and caddis. They are often a dark steely dun and on a value scale maybe a 70 or 80% gray. The small Olive Mayfly comes off the water in a darker value than its counterparts during the midsummer months. Tying Mayfly micropatterns can be challenging not because of the specific techniques involved but because of proportion and uniform scale. If you don't already have the book by Darrel Martin “Micropatterns” get a copy it is a wealth of informative insights and creative tying techniques that will stretch your creativity. The below sequence uses basic fly tying techniques that will allow you to knock out dozens of these little guys very quickly for your early season stash. Using waterproofed Antron in a cream color lightly singe a tag end on your spool card (only a few fibers) less is more length should be around half the length of your hook shank or slightly less, ti...
This adult fly pattern is a fly I use all the time especially in the late summer and fall. Like many caddis patterns during the fall season adult midges take on a rusty tan color on the Mad River. The Ginger Smudge is tied on a fine wire short shank hook. It is a relatively simple pattern to tie other than the fact that it is very small. Keeping the bulk down is very important so I count my wraps, use fine beaver belly dubbing, and minimize the amount of CDC, two or three feathers is sufficient. The TMC 531 #20 is first wrapped with a ginger dyed quill and varnished Micro knotted ginger pheasant tail legs, do this with tweezers and a high powered magnifier Tie in knotted pheasant tail three hook eyes back, four legs are enough two on either side Underwing use Tiemco Aero Dry Wing or waterproof Antron a hook eyes distance short of the hook bend Dub in a sparse collar of ginger beaver belly Tie in Ginger CDC (over wing) make sure it does not extend beyond end...