Could we cajole or pressure Hans Weilenmann into Tying a Favorite Mayfly Dun?

All about flies Fly Tying
1

I wonder if we could take advantage of Hans and ask him to do a fresh video on one of the more common mayflies we fishers encounter while fishing.

Examples, but in no way limited to: March Brown Dun, Sulfur Dun, PMD Dun, Mahogany Dun, Hendrickson, Blue Wing Olive Dun, etc. Tied in most frequently fished size range - 18-14?

Anyway, I would be very pleased to see which pattern he chose to represent one of the above hatches.

Anyone else? Another suggestion?

Thanks,
Byron

2

LOL - no pressure needed and I already did.

Western Europe’s early season mayfly is the Large Dark Olive (Baetis Rhodani). Here is my fav patten for it (second only to using a CDC&Elk LOL). Just change size and color to match the bug you wish to imitate:

Z-Dun (Large Dark Olive)

Video here - best viewed in HD, and a larger window:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8sKtwjY4k4

Cheers,
Hans W

3

Hans, I’m curious as to why you put the zlon on top of the body to add the shuck? Does the mayfly you’re imitating have a lighter upper body? Nice fly and interesting technique.

Moscow

4

That’s what I was wondering, but afraid to ask.
I really like the design and it lends itself to imitating many different species.

5

Tim, Byron,

I choose this tying sequence because it is very efficient, economy of motion. The segmented look is also pleasing to my eye, even if it is likely no more effective on the water because of it.

Cheers,
Hans W

6

Thanks Hans, and it is very pleasing to the eye!!
What I was wondering is if there is a trailing shuck, is there a purpose for the zelon exposed on the back? Hasn’t the shuck been opened?
Your beautiful fly sorta reminds me of an improved sparkle dun with hackle vs hair.
Great pattern, I’ve already tied a couple!

7

Byron,

As I explain in the video, the principal reason for the Z-lon “shuck” is to aid floatation of the rear half of the hook. As a shuck it is merely suggestive of such presence.

My flytying is impressionistic, functionality first, second and third. I do like to emphasize what I consider to be positive triggers, and that too entered into the decision to extend the Z-lon past the hook bend just a little.

Have fun with the pattern, or rather this general fly design. I know you will like how it performs.

Cheers,
Hans W

8

A very nice, effective looking fly, Hans.

I found this video on you tube that shows the shucking rather well. Fascinating!

//youtu.be/XDTMFVHxXLk

Fran

9

Here is an excerpt from The Brown Trout and the Mayfly Video showing some great images of the mayfly

//youtu.be/7_WEfn8_BXU

lol… did I just hijack this thread?

fran

10

Not at all… LOL! Great videos.

11

Sorry Hans, I didn’t make my question clear. I know why the zelon extends beyond the end of the hook. It’s a part of a lot of the flies I tie - a trailing shuck. What I was asking about was the zelon from the end of the hook back to the “wing”.

Thanks!

12

Thanks Hans. It’s always nice to see a new way of doing something in fly tying.

13

I tried to address that very question, Byron, in an earlier post in this thread. Review in detail the tying steps in the video and I think you will see that it is the most efficient way to fashion both wing and shuck. The fact that it ends up running along the dorsal length of the abdomen, providing segmentation, is a almost (not completely :wink: ) a welcome side effect.

Cheers,
Hans W

14

chuckle only if it actually adds something :cool:

15

Hans,
Not my best job of tying, BUT, this is what I meant about your great Zlon Dun reminding me of the general configuration of an Improved Sparkle Dun - at least to me.