Best size 18 Blue Wing(ed) Olive Pattern

[Byron haugh]

Hi,

There are a lot of patterns used for the Fall Baetis. Some are difficult ties on size 18. Some not.

What is your "go-to" style or pattern for a BWO?

Thanks,
Byron

[herefishy]

Barr's emerger - just came in from testing them and they passed with flying colors.

[okflyfisher]

I usually fish an unweighted nymph it the film

[Byron haugh]

Really like the first one. Is that widow web wing?

[Byron haugh]

Think I will try some with snowshoe?

[dr korn]

Korn's Deer Hair Emerger- tied by Doug Korn

Great fly for spring creeks. It sets low in water and shines during a hatch.

Hook: MFC scud light wire #14-20 for BWO

Thread: Serifil 200 tan or UNi - 8/0

Tail: amber zelon

Body: just thread wraps over zelon or dubbing to match.

Thorax: BWO olive dubbing or PMD.

Wing: short compara-dun deer hair

Head: deer hair butts

Note: add floatant to thorax and deer hair only...

[bgreer]

In the size 18, I love the parachute blue wing olive.
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That's what I use as a go-to fly on the Ozark streams. If they're not taking them and taking something smaller, I use a #24 blue wing olive.

[Byron haugh]

John's first photo sparked the idea for this messy #18 Snowshoe winged BWO.

[Byron haugh]

Yes, thanks!

My little version of your fly.

[AlanB]

This is one bug we have our side of the pond as well, I'd happily fish any of the hackled flies above. The only thing I would do is take a pair of scissors to the hackle and trim off the bottom. I used to fish parachutes for this, but I found that a thorax tie with the hackle trimmed flush works much better. It may be (no one can ever be sure) that the footprint is different. The trimmed thorax tie sits slightly higher on the water.
Cheers,
A.