How to Tie Mayfly Tails

Mayflies hatch on lakes and rivers in large numbers; the insect is a favorite food for trout. Numerous dry fly patterns are created to match mayflies. A mayfly has large upright wings, and a long, stiff forked-tail that extends from the rear of its abdomen.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly-tying vise
  • Dry-fly hooks, No.12 through No.16
  • Fly-tying thread, No. 6/0
  • Fly-tying bobbin
  • Hackle neck
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clamp the bend of the hook in the vise; the hook's shank must be parallel to the work table. Lay the end of the thread over the hook's shank, just behind the hook's eye. Wrap the thread over the end in a clockwise direction.

    • 2

      Wrap the thread along the hook shank toward the bend of the hook. Stop at a point on the shank directly above the barb on the hook's point. Let the bobbin hang, keeping tension on the thread.

    • 3

      Pluck two hackle feathers from the smaller feathers on the upper portion of the neck. Strip all the fibers off the hackles, leaving the bare stems. Keep the pointed tips intact; do not break the stems.

    • 4

      Hold the stems between your thumb and forefinger. Turn the stems so the tips are even, and the slight natural curve of the stems is pointing up. Position the stems so the tips point to the rear of the hook.

    • 5

      Place the butt ends of the stems on the hook shank directly above the hook's barb. Extend the tips out the back of the hook; the tips usually extend two-thirds the length of the hook's shank.

    • 6

      Tie the stems to the hook shank with three turns of thread. Pull the stems apart from each other to form a "V." Wrap five turns of thread around the stems, moving toward the eye of the hook.