First a short story. A year ago, I had walked the mile to the middle of Harriman's Ranch on the Henry's Fork. There was not a fish rising anywhere in sight. I tried emergers, etc. Nothing.
Then, I looked through my boxes and selected a really nice (I thought) Adams in a size 14. I decided I would fish that dry fly whether the trout approved or not. To my surprise, a nice, fat rainbow took that fly and made my day.
So, I believe in matching the hatch; fishing soft hackles; and fishing nymphs; etc.. But, I'm beginning to believe that there may be some dry fly styles that just might work in nearly any situation.
I believe the Comparadun is one of those patterns/styles of flies - especially if tied in a rather "common insect coloration".
Anyway, I want to go try this fly out even if there are no hatches.