Tying a Vis A Dun Trico Fishing Fly

The Trico hatch is usually so dense that we can't help but think it should be easy. Our experience is that fishing Tricos is far from consistently "easy," but there are few things we try to do consistently to improve our odds.

While the spinners are typically the most important part of the Trico hatch, fishing the early part of the hatch can be productive. A small Trico emerger or nymph trailed behind an adult is a great rig for this time of day. Also, the bugs get smaller as the hatch progresses. There are two sides of this coin…don't be afraid to fish a bit bigger in the early weeks, but be willing to adjust smaller as the weeks progress. Here’s a pattern, based on Mr John’s highly versatile fly design, that can be tied all the way down to 24, floats well in all sizes, and is visible.

• Hook: Daiichi 1180 Dry Fly Hook, sizes 18-24. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-D1180.html
• Thread: SEMPERFLI Nano Silk 30D (18/0), Black. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SNS18.html
• Tail: Cascade Crest Ultra Micro Fibbets, White or Cream. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-CCMF.html
• Body: Flymen Fish-Skull Faux Bucktail, Black. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-FLYBKTL.html
• Wing: SemperFli Poly-Yarn (https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SFPY.html) or UTC Antron (https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-UTCAYS.html), Cream or White.
• Thorax: SemperFli Kapok Dubbing, Black. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Hackle: Black