Unusual Emerger

Borrowing the concept of using snowshoe rabbit foot hair from Fran Betters’ Usual, western tyer Howard Cole developed a fly with a good mix of imitative form and unkempt appearance necessary for an effective emerger pattern.  The recipe here is for the PMD but by changing size and color any mayfly can be imitated.  The first turn of hackle is behind the wing with the remaining turns wrapped in front.

Hook : Dry fly; #14 – #18

Shuck : Amber zelon topped with wood duck flank

Abdomen : Rust brown dubbing

Thorax : Cream/amber dubbing

Wing : Snowshoe rabbit foot hair

Hackle : Light dun

Alan Bowers

Fly tied by Alan Bowers