Quoting from Favorite Flies and Their Histories
by Mary Orvis Marbury, published by The Lyons Press,
"Tradition declares that this fly should be used on windy days,
as the natural fly is found upon the water only when blown there
by strong winds: but it has been proved that the fly is often
successful at other times, and actual observation shows the
wind theory unreliable.
The larvae of these flies feed upon the excrement of cattle,
and the females may be seen hovering in its vicinity, as they lay
their eggs near or upon it. The females are short-lived and do
not wander, but it is stated that the male flies prey upon smaller
insects, especially the tiny water-flies, which they hold with their
anterior feet while they suck the blood of the bodies. In their greed
they often venture too far, and fall into the water there they furnish
a fat morsel for the waiting trout.
Their color is a brown similar to the tints of many of the caddis flies,
- that favorite food of the trout and grayling, - so that they are
likely to be successful in any streams where the Phryganidae
are familiar food to the fish."
Cow Dung
As dressed by Ray Bergman
Credits: Information and small photo from Favorite Flies and Their Histories, by Mary Orvis Marbury, published by The Lyons Press.
Large photo and recipe from Forgotten Flies,
published by Complete Sportsman.
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