Two different takes on mayfly emergers.
Hans using pearl:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhfRrTcDEK8&feature=player_embedded
and Craig Mathews using gold:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plCfNp1MB2A
Never tried this on mayflies (besides stuff like flashback softhackle PTs); caddis and midges, yes, but not mayflies. Anyone have any experience?
Regards,
Scott
While I have not used Mylar, I have used the metallic cross-stitch thread in much the same manner with good results.
Ralph
No, and I’m sure I won’t. But it sure is fun watching Hans tie the loop wing ( even without the sound working on my computer ), and as usual, there is some good stuff there.
Thanks for the link.
John
I can’t wait to try them out; something to swing through the riffles & pools before the hatch takes off, figuratively. I’ve got some biot-bodied patterns that have worked in the past, but it’s always fun to try out something new. Sorry to hear that Nick Nicklas, who developed the soft-hackled PMD in the 2nd video, has some health issues and won’t be guiding for Blue Ribbon this summer; hope it’s nothing too serious and he’s feeling better soon. Also good to see Hans tie anything; miss having him around here.
Regards,
Scott
Scott,
I like the use of flashy materials for Mayflies (in the abdomen). Nick’s patterns are very effective. Here is a Callibaetis emerger that has been around for awhile, tied by my friend, Gary Muncy:
http://swittersb.wordpress.com/2008/05/03/roxy-rainbow-flash-emerger/
Methinks something using black Krystal Flash, for the abdomen,in a SH design, might be useful for Fall Baetis…
PT/TB 
PT,
Very nice fly; thanks for the link. Kinda looks like a variation on a Lightning Bug; may have to tie some up for a side trip to Hebgen.
Regards,
Scott
Inspired by this thread I came up with this today.
Size 12 wet fly (heavy wire), Pearl Crystal Flash wound then corded for the rib, Greenwells hen hackle.
Now to try it on the lochs.
Cheers,
A.
As I understand it the flash was/is an attempt to create the effect of ‘shimmer’ given off my the bubbles being released by the emerging insect - eventually the Aunt Lydia’s Antron yarns were discovered to produce the effect very nicely.
As with most patterns, sometimes it helps, sometimes it does not. Generally I like flashier flies in faster water, or marginal conditions. The longer the fish have to look at a pattern, the less flashy a pattern I fish. Never hurts to have a few mylar body patterns, but my experimentation so far has led to mixed results. YMMV.