The tiny mayflies known as Tricos (the genus is Tricorythodes) offer great fly fishing across the country from July through October. The females hatch in the morning, while the males usually hatch at dark. But anglers really love the spinnerfalls, which usually happen not long after the morning hatch. Standing in the river, watching a could of mating Tricos, and waiting for the first spinners to hit the water is what angling anticipation is all about. Because you know that when those flies start dropping, the trout will start rising.
In this video from Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, you’ll learn how to tie a ridiculously simple pattern to imitate the Trico spinner. With just three materials—a hook, some thread, and some hair from the foot of a snowshoe rabbit—this fly is easy to tie, yet very effective. It was created by famed tier Eric Stroup and featured in a DVD called Practical Fly Patterns That Catch Trout With Charlie Meck & Eric Stroup, Volumes 1 & 2 , produced by Tightline back in 2006. So whip out a dozen or so of these quick flies and go looking for rising fish.
Trico Spinner from Tightline Productions on Vimeo.
Trico Spinner
Hook: 2X-short emerger hook (e.g. Dai-Riki #125), size 20.
Thread: Black, 8/0 or 70 denier.
Wing: Snowshoe-rabbit-foot hair.
Head: Tying thread.