Haystack

Description

Haystack Fly

The Haystack Fly pattern  is one of the favorite fly patterns for spring mayfly hatches.  It is really an old time fly but it has spawned some incredibly effective fly patterns that are well known almost anywhere there are selective trout.

It compares with the Comparadun and Sparkle Dun  fishing flies which are both sparsely dressed and more popular derivatives of the Haystack.

The design of the Haystack fly is credited to Fran Betters who created this fly during his senior year of high school in June 1949. He used Key deer for the wings and tail with a body of either muskrat or opossum dubbing. He later used used Woodchuck to replace the deer hair because he couldn’t find Key deer any longer.  He died in 2009 leaving behind a great legacy and contributions to the fly tying world. We tie this fly with Red Deer hair giving it the original resemblance.

It is designed to imitate a variety of insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and midges. The Haystack Fly is typically tied with a palmered body of dry fly dubbing or hackle, and a large, upright, deer hair wing that helps the fly float on the surface of the water.

To fish with a Haystack Fly, you cast the fly onto the surface of the water and allow it to float naturally with the current. You can also add some subtle movements to the fly by twitching your rod tip or giving the fly a gentle strip retrieve. When a fish rises to take the fly, you can set the hook by quickly lifting your rod and pulling the line tight.

The Haystack Fly is a versatile pattern that can be fished in a variety of situations, including slow-moving pools, riffles, and pocket water. It can be effective when fished alone or in combination with other dry flies or nymphs.

Overall, the Haystack Fly is a popular and effective dry fly pattern that can be used to catch a variety of fish species, including trout, grayling, and panfish.

Usually available in hook sizes 10, 12, 14 and 16.