The Blue Damsel Fly is a lifelike imitation of an adult damselfly, renowned for its vibrant color and realistic profile. This pattern proves irresistible to fish during a damselfly hatch.
How to Tie the Blue Damsel Fly
Tied on a dry fly hook (sizes 10–14), the body is crafted from blue thread, floss, or foam, often overwrapped with a thin, clear material to create a segmented effect.
Wings are typically made from white or light-colored synthetic materials, tied to arch back over the body or extend perpendicularly. Prominent eyes are added behind the hook eye, while long, wispy hackle fibers mimic the damselfly’s delicate legs.
What It Mimics
This pattern replicates the adult blue damselfly, a common species found near still waters in late spring and early summer. As these insects lay eggs and rest on vegetation, they become a prime target for hungry fish.
Where to Use It
The Blue Damsel Fly excels in stillwater environments like lakes and ponds, particularly near reeds, lily pads, and shoreline vegetation where damselflies congregate.
Fish it by casting and letting it float naturally to imitate a resting insect, or gently twitch it to mimic a struggling damselfly—either method can trigger aggressive strikes.
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The Blue Winged Olive is a highly effective dry and wet fly pattern renowned for its natural mayfly appearance, making it irresistible to trout.
How to Tie the Blue Winged Olive
- Hook: Use a short or medium shank hook.
- Body: Wrap olive dubbing or thread around the shank to create a slender, tapered shape.
- Tail: Attach a few strands of hackle fibers or microfibbets.
- Wing: Use upright, divided materials like synthetic fibers, mallard flank feathers, or CDC feathers for a realistic look.
- Hackle: Wrap a grizzly or dun-colored hackle around the thorax to form a bushy collar, aiding buoyancy and mimicking mayfly legs.
What It Mimics
This fly replicates the adult Baetis mayfly—a vital trout food source year-round. Its lifelike profile, wings, and hackle make it especially effective during hatches.
Where to Use It
- Water Types: Rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.
- Best Conditions: Ideal during Baetis hatches when trout target adult mayflies.
- Fishing Technique: Dead drift the fly to match the hatch for optimal results.
Watch the Blue Winged Olive fly-tying video to perfect your technique!
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Lady Bug Fly
A charming pattern that mimics the iconic garden insect.
How to Tie It
The Lady Bug fly is typically tied on a small hook (sizes 14–18). The body is crafted from black and red foam to replicate the insect’s distinctive shape and colors.
After securing the foam to the hook, carefully cut and shape it to form the rounded body and wing partitions. For added realism, small black dots can be applied to the red wing covers.
Though precise foam cutting is required, the pattern is straightforward, making it an enjoyable and accessible project for tiers of all skill levels.
What It Mimics
As the name suggests, this fly imitates a ladybug. These beetles are common near water, especially in warmer months, and may accidentally land on the surface—becoming an easy target for hungry fish.
Where to Use It
The Lady Bug fly excels in still waters, such as ponds and slow-moving streams, where its distinct silhouette stands out to fish.
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