Ryan Brennecke / The BulletinThompson’s Moth, tied by Quintin McCoy.

Compared to mayflies, stoneflies, caddis and midges, not much is written about moths. But trout do eat them and there was a time when anglers imitated moths with both wet and dry patterns. Thompson’s Moth, tied wet, has some of the elements of a Zug Bug or a Prince Nymph and is an interesting throwback to a simpler time in fly-fishing.

Use this one when fishing for bluegill or trout, especially in the evening or the early morning. On the river, let the fly work through eddies and slower-moving currents. On still water, use the fly on a floating line with fluorocarbon leader. Allow the fly to hang in the top two feet of the water column. Keep the line reasonably tight, but don’t add action to the fly.

Tie Thompson’s Moth on a No. 10 wet fly hook. For the tail, use red saddle fibers. Build the body with peacock herl. Tie in a sparse black hackle at the throat. Finish with a turkey wing, tied flat, and leave the tag ends exposed to form the head.

—Gary Lewis, for The Bulletin