This is an old standard that has stood the test of time. It works well for the emergence of the "brachycentrus" "Mothers' Day Caddis". This caddis emerges here in late March to early April. Contrary to its name.
Hook - Mustad 94840 dry fly #12 - #16
Thread - 8/0 black
Rib - copper wire (fine)
Body - peacock herl
Legs - Coachman brown hen hackles
Wing - Primary feathers Mallard wing
1. Advance thread to just past the bend in the hook. Tie in the copper wire, wrap the copper wire five turns to create a "tag". Tie off.
2. Tie in 3 strands of peacock herl and wrap thread around all 3 clockwise about 2-3 times. Wrap both thread and herl to front to 1/8 " back from the hook eye. Tie off.
3. Counter wrap the copper wire to front. Tie off
4. Pinch 10-12 barbs from a brown neck and tie in "beard" style from the bottom. Tie off.
5. Separate 8-10 barbs from a Mallard wing using only the outside half of the feather (bloodline is visible when holding feather to the light. Tie in one on each side with the tips facing inward. Use a large loop held between thumb and forefinger and then pull with an upward motion. This prevents the wing from rolling over the side.
6. Tie off the head and cement.
Fish as you a wet fly, across and down with a few forward strips at the end of the drift.
Tied by Reuben Swenson
