Callibaetis soft hackle nymph

[Izaak]

Hook: Mustad Signature C53S, #14
Thread: Uni-thread, tan, 8/0
Hackle: Partridge
Tail: Partridge feather barbs
Rib: fine gold wire
Underbody: Dubbed rabbit fur
Body: Turkey biot, dyed callibaetis color
Thorax: Rabbit fur on 2 flies; Ostrich herl, black on the 3rd fly

I tied these in anticipation of using them in June in the lakes in and around Yellowstone Park to imitate Callibaetis mayfly nymphs as they swim near the water surface prior to emerging. I have had good luck in the past by slowly stripping Partridge and Hare's Ear soft hackles during hatches to rising fish but wanted to try something possibly more closely resembling the nymph. Anyone planning to fish these lakes would do well in carrying some sort of Callibaetis nymph imitation, as well as dries, as these hatches can last for a couple of hours or more and be a lot of fun to fish!

Tom

[tie2fish]

How about you just tie up enough of these for everyone, Tom? Although they may not (yet) be a tested classic, I'd fish them with confidence under the conditions you describe.

[UC Steve]

O baby. Those look like real-deal baits. I love the choice of turkey biot for these. Gonna hafta tie some now. Though I think the term "calibaetis color" fairly ambiguous, as the naturals occur in gray, tan &, most often, in my neighborhood, an olive cast. The ostrich herl thorax gets the nod. Good hook choice, as the abdomens of the naturals are fairly elongate.

[Izaak]

Though I think the term "calibaetis color" fairly ambiguous, as the naturals occur in gray, tan &, most often, in my neighborhood, an olive cast.

Steve,

Yes, I should have described the color better! The color is, as you said, kind of a grey/tan and I've seen them with a bit of an olive cast too. I bought these turkey biots from Hareline and they call the color "callibaetis".

Tom

[narcodog]

I bought some TBs from Trout Hunter when I was there in Sept. and they also have an olive cast to them. Very nice tye.

[Kelly L.]

I think these will be fish approved, before you can blink an eye! Well done!!!

[DUBBN]

Tom, I believe these patterns could do double duty as a Flav (Small Western Green Drake).

[Smuggler]

The Callibeatis hatch is one of the reasons I'm excited for our Montana trip. This pattern Tom, looks like an absolute winner.
The biot has such a translucent look to it, I love it. Mind posting some pictures of this after being wet?

[Izaak]

[letumgo]

Superbly fishable pattern. Marvelously realistic.