Fred’s Callibaetis, courtesy The Hook Fly Shop

One of the most reliable hatches of the year, the callibaetis mayfly is a favored trout food source. Its imitations can produce rainbows, brook trout and Atlantic salmon throughout the spring and summer. It is deadly for kokanee.

Fred’s Callibaetis is a great pattern to use in tandem with another fly as a dropper. Prospect in still water and slow currents with rocks, debris and plant life that provide the best mayfly habitat. Present this imitation on a dead drift to rising or cruising trout with a nine-foot leader, tapered to at least 5X. When fishing from a float tube, move just enough to keep the line taut.

Tie Fred’s Callibaetis Nymph with rust-colored thread on a No. 14 extra long nymph hook. For the tail, use wood duck fibers. Build the body with hare’s mask and rib with copper wire. Tie in a synthetic wingcase, then wrap the thorax with hare’s mask. Tie in a V-cut piece of wood duck to extend past the wingcase. Tie the wingcase down and finish.