Rusty Winged Wet Fly

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This pattern utilizes traditional materials to create the delicate profile of a spent mayfly spinner. The rusty brown abdomen, created by tying wet-fly style with fine wire ribbing, accurately matches the natural insect. The spent wings are tied using hackle tips that are splayed horizontally to mimic the deceased mayfly resting on the water.

Hook

Standard Dry Fly (e.g., Daiichi 1100, TMC 100), Sizes 12-14.

Thread

8/0 or 70 Denier, Rusty Brown or Olive.

Tail

Coq de Leon or dark Dun Hackle Fibers (stiff, splayed widely).

Body

Rusty Brown Super Fine Dubbing or stripped hackle quill.

Rib

Fine Gold Wire.

Wings

Medium Dun Hackle Tips, tied spent (horizontal).

Hackle

Dark Dun or Medium Dun, sparse, tied parachute style and trimmed flush on the bottom. (Alternatively, the hackle can be omitted entirely for a strict "spent wing" imitation).

Tails

Start the thread at the 2/4 mark on the hook shank and wrap back to the bend. Tie in a generous clump of stiff hackle fibers. Split the tails widely, using a figure-eight wrap underneath, so they splay horizontally.

Body

Tie in the fine gold wire. Dub a tapered abdomen forward to just behind the 3/4 mark. Counter-rib the body with the gold wire and secure it.

Wings

Select two matched hackle tips. Measure them to be slightly longer than the body. Tie them in horizontally (spent) at the 3/4 mark, using figure-eight wraps to secure them perpendicular to the hook shank. Ensure they are splayed flat and level.

Thorax

Dub a small, slightly thicker thorax in front of and behind the wing base.

Hackle (Optional)

Tie in a sparse dun hackle and make 3-4 wraps, parachute style, around the base of the wings.

Finish

Whip finish and apply a tiny drop of head cement. If using hackle, trim the bottom fibers flush to the hook shank to ensure the fly rides perfectly flat in the film.

Details

Imitates

Mayfly

Targets

Trout, Grayling

Hook size

10-14

Colors

Brown, Grey, Gold