Hawthorn

Terrestrial dry fly

TroutSurface

Late April or early May, hawthorn flies tumble onto the water by accident and the trout pay close attention. This dressing — black body, long legs, dark wings — gets them noticing at exactly the right time.

Fish this when

Fish it during early season on river. Use it when the naturals are about and fish are feeding seriously. Have it ready for selective moments.

Why it works

It works because the profile reads as hawthorn fly; dark terrestrial. Straightforward pattern, proven result. Fish it with confidence when other flies don't move them.

Naturals it imitates