To Cling or Not to Cling- Epeorus Clinger Nymph

The inspiration for this fly came with the excitement and preparation for a recent trip to the Madison River in Montana. The Epeorus is one of the most important mayfly emergence's on the Madison, below Quake Lake. The nymphs are stoneclingers, which characteristically cling tightly to the rocks in the heaviest flows of the river; the Slide In is a perfect place for such an environment (don't forget to drop in and say hey to Kelly). They are dark hued, 2 tailed, and have an extremely flat profile.

Nymphs are dark-hued clingers that are easily distinguished by their two tails, a physical characteristic shared by no other mayfly nymph. Many people confuse Epeorus nymphs with another mayfly clinger, the Pale Evening Dun. My theory is that this confusion arises from the fact that the later has a fly named after it while the former lacks that honor. This confusion is easily resolved: simply looking at the tails of the nymph (two for Epeorus) will resolve any uncertainties.

Epeorus nymphs, like all mayfly clingers, are well-adapted to their fast-water environment. Their body, head, and legs are all flattened to hug the rock and minimize the force of the current pushing on them. I often pull rocks out of fast water, and the only mayflies that survive the quick trip through the fast current are Epeorus.

Epeorus nymphs are terrible swimmers (perhaps the worst, considering they don't even migrate or rise prior to emergence!), and if dislodged can drift long distances before regaining contact with the bottom. Despite their pitiful swimming skills, however, they rarely lose their grip, and are seldom available to trout. Epeorus Mayflies by Jeff Morgan

Sure a Clouser swimming nymph, pheasant tail, or fox squirrel style nymph will do the trick but I wanted to take it a step beyond and spin up something a bit more realistic. The pattern I ended up putting together was influenced by the tying prowess of some of my heroes in the fly tying world- Ulf Hagstrom, Steve Thornton, and Oliver Edwards. Boy did this conglomeration rail 'em in the fast water slicks, along the edges of the river. Thank you gentlemen. Cheers!

To Articulate or Not to Articulate

Articulated flies come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Many ask the question, "Is an articulated fly more productive than a non-articulated one?"

That is an age old question that dates way back. In the early 1970's, Carl Richards and Doug Swisher mastered the art of extended bodied and articulated flies, like the Extended Body Wiggle Nymph. I'm not sure what pre-dates their research and techniques but they were very instrumental in the techniques that many tyers are using today.

"Observation of nymphs swimming about in the aquarium revealed possibilities for several different patterns. We noticed that many species, especially Ephemerella, Stenonema, and Leptophlebia, swim with a distinct undulating movement of the abdomen. Also, the front pair of legs extends forward while the middle and hind pair extend to the rear. Attempts to imitate this situation resulted in extended-body and wiggle nymphs...."

 Selective Trout: Revised and Expanded Edition Swisher and Richards

If you aren't aware of this book, you need to get it and read it. Every fly angler should know who Carl Richards and Doug Swisher are. The world of fly fishing wouldn't be where it is today without the work of such greats as Richards, Swisher, Whitlock, Pobst, Lyons, and Rosenbauer (to name a few). We'd still be in the dark ages without all of their incredible contributions. Honor them. Remember that we are all able to do what we are doing today because of their accomplishments.

Anyhow, I'll crawl of my soap box. Articulation, whether used on streamers, nymphs, or dries, gives increased natural movement to the fly. It has been proven time and time again that the undulation and movement of articulated flies fools more fish. Of course, it's not about catching fish, it's about the experience of being one with Mother Nature. Right? That's what I've been told at least.

Hise's Sumpin' Ugly Series- Sculpin

Today, there are many great tyers who are tying articulated flies, like Kelly Galloup and Derek Fergus. The options are almost endless but the technique is the same. Many of the patterns I wrap up at the bench are articulated in some form or another. Don't be afraid to give them a whirl. They will add a different element to your tying and will also help you catch more fish. Below, are a few patterns I have used, religiously, for many, many years.

Sly and the Family Stone

Hise's Sumpin' Ugly Series - Minnow

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