French Partridge

Hackled olive dry

Trout · GraylingFilm

A soft-hackled spider with just enough movement to suggest an emerging insect without naming one. Fish it upstream, across or on a gentle swing so the hackle breathes in the film and upper water.

Fish this when

Early season and summer when upwing mayflies are emerging. Fish it upstream to rising fish, working it gently across the current so the hackle breathes.

Why it works

Soft partridge hackle pulses naturally in the current, suggesting life without being too definite. Sparse profile sits perfectly in the film where emerging insects are most vulnerable.

Naturals it imitates