Blue-Winged Olive

Adult Baetis, just one of many hatching on the Yellowstone on a cloudy, calm day recently.

River God Emerger

This Rivergod Emerger in a size 16 is one of my favorites for fooling fussy trout in the springtime. This pattern is easy to tie and deadly for fish that are keyed in on adult Baetis.  Check out Dennis Potter’s website for step-by-step instructions

nymphs

Here’s a basic arsenal of nymphs for springtime fishing.  Even though they are not specific Baetis imitations, red or black Zebra Midges in size 14-16 along with Copper Johns in smaller sizes will pretty much do the trick 99% of the time when the fish aren’t rising.