FLY OF THE MONTH
WD 40
Hook: Tiemco 2488 or 2487 Size #16 to #24.
Thread Body: 8/0 Black, olive, brown, or gray to match natural.
Tail: Wood Duck flank fibers
Rib: (Optional) Fine Wire (a personal favorite is red).
Thorax: Hares ear, muskrat, or peacock herl.
Wing-case: Butt end of Wood Duck flank fibers pulled over thorax.
Legs: (Optional) Wood Duck Flank fibers
I recently read a fishing report from friend and nymph fisherman extraordinaire, Jim Plante. He had great success fishing the WD 40 when small
olives were on the water. It refreshed my memory about just how great a pattern this fly is.
The WD 40 is used to imitate a number of insects ranging from mayfly or baetis nymphs, to midge imitations. It was first tied in 1982 by Mark
Engler for Colorado’s Frying Pan River. The WD stands for the wood duck that’s used for the tail and wingcase. I have seen this pattern tied
substituting crystal flash for the tail, but in my opinion the wood duck is the essential ingredient. I believe the fly is extremely effective because it’s a
“cross over” pattern and represents a number bugs to hungry trout. It is very simple to tie and is a “go to” fly when small olives are on the water.
Tie it in rusty brown and olive.
If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a pattern of
The month I can be reached at 203 734-7879 or e-mail me at pdinice@snet.net.
WD 40
Hook: Tiemco 2488 or 2487 Size #16 to #24.
Thread Body: 8/0 Black, olive, brown, or gray to match natural.
Tail: Wood Duck flank fibers
Rib: (Optional) Fine Wire (a personal favorite is red).
Thorax: Hares ear, muskrat, or peacock herl.
Wing-case: Butt end of Wood Duck flank fibers pulled over thorax.
Legs: (Optional) Wood Duck Flank fibers
I recently read a fishing report from friend and nymph fisherman extraordinaire, Jim Plante. He had great success fishing the WD 40 when small
olives were on the water. It refreshed my memory about just how great a pattern this fly is.
The WD 40 is used to imitate a number of insects ranging from mayfly or baetis nymphs, to midge imitations. It was first tied in 1982 by Mark
Engler for Colorado’s Frying Pan River. The WD stands for the wood duck that’s used for the tail and wingcase. I have seen this pattern tied
substituting crystal flash for the tail, but in my opinion the wood duck is the essential ingredient. I believe the fly is extremely effective because it’s a
“cross over” pattern and represents a number bugs to hungry trout. It is very simple to tie and is a “go to” fly when small olives are on the water.
Tie it in rusty brown and olive.
If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a pattern of
The month I can be reached at 203 734-7879 or e-mail me at pdinice@snet.net.
