EASY CATSKILL MAYFLY
An alternative wingless and Easy Catskill to perfect to tie if you’re in a hurry and need a high riding bug to put on the water. I fish this when the bugs stand high on the surface, typical for several BWO hatches.
The Baetis Rhodani is an important mayfly in my rivers. It hatches throughout the season, often in two generations. The hatch starts in late May, and continues in two generations. The first generation in my rivers is from about 20. May trough June. The second generation hatch typically start in late August and lasts for about three weeks.
The first generation is grey/olive and often light in the tones. The second generation, being considerably smaller, is darker olive.
The Baetis loves bad weather. Often they are hatching in enormous numbers just after a shift in the weather, and most often after a rainfall. Typically the first generation hatch in the afternoon – any time after 1 p.m or often as late at 3 p.m.
This version – the simplified catskill – is not my go-to fly. But when they sit high on the water and need time to dry their wings, I love using this one – either this simplified version or the one with wings. But, the wings are generally not needed for this fly.
Hook: Hends BL 454, size #14-#18
Thread: Benecchi 12/0 Olive
Hackle: Whiting dyed olive grizzly
Tail: Hackle barbs from the olive grizzly
Abdomen: Stripped and dyed olive peacock quill
Be careful to tie in the hackle first, and make sure you’ll get them straight. For riffle streams, consider using two feathers. Also note that you’ll need to spread the tail hackle barbs to ensure a stable floating fly. When tying in the quill, use super glue on the shank to fix it. Apply Bug Bond on the abdomen to get that shiny wet look
Materials are listed in order of tying
Long leader and tippet to ensure a drag free drift. Use a floatant – I prefer Tiemco’s Dry Dip Super
