I’m a sucker for a hair wing comparadun. I realize the fish may not prefer one over the other, and maybe a CDC wing comparadun or a hackle wing comparadun would fish just as well, maybe better in certain circumstances, but for me, I love the look of a neat hair wing.
When I began trying to tie hair wing comparaduns, it did not take me real long to realize that not all hair that is labelled “comparadun hair” was equal. I went through several pieces of deer hair before I finally found some hair that worked just right.
Anyone else love fishing a hair wing comparadun? Let’s see your favorite!
One of my favorite patterns and one of my most consistently productive patterns year in and year out. I lean toward the Haystack style of tying them however.
Sulpher Hair Wing Comparadun:


Larger waters and tailwaters, these are my favorites too, NJTB.
Nice Fliy!
Thanks. The tails are a little too long in the photo, but I think you get the idea. Comparaduns are enjoyable to tie.
Beautiful tie, NJ!
Enjoyed browsing your blog too. Thanks!
I love the comparadun’s. Great haystack! RIP Fran Betters.
I also tie them as a haystack. Here is a pic:

I also tie them with an extended body for the larger mayflies…

Nice patterns!
NJ, interesting to look at your Iso. While I’m sure it’d take loads of fish during the good iso hatches on the streams where I fish 'em, the color of your isos wouldn’t even be in the same box of crayolas as mine.
The ones out here are pretty much ideally imitated by an Adams, any style, in a #14.
Its just interesting to me how the same insect can be so different. I’ve even seen sulphurs, which were, from what I could tell, the same species, on 2 streams seperated by less than 10 miles, and the color shade difference was clear and obvious.
I agree, I’ve noticed the same thing from stream to stream. Slate Drakes on Pine creek are completely different than the ones on the Yellow Breeches…etc. BWO’s are the same way water-to-water.
