Notes: This fly was originated by Andy Burk for PMD hatches on the Fall
River in Northeastern California. Andy worked as a guide and noticed a drop-off on the hits of Pheasant
Tail Nymphs. He discovered that the trout became accustomed to the PTN and declined the offering. Part
of the problem was translucency and a hunchback configuration. Andy resolved this by selecting a scud-type
hook and utilizing a rust-colored rabbit dubbing that matched the nymphs color but also gave a fibrous
translucency to the fly. The fly is used as a primary nymph pattern for PMD's but can also be used for
Baetis hatches. Use of a Scud-type hook is also found on John Barr's Emerger and is excellent in producing
the natural curvature of the nymph. Use of a rabbit blend is also found in many excellent nymphal patterns
such as Kauffman's Nymphs. The blends give a more realistic coloration and the rabbit dubbing will sink
easily into the water column. Andy found the the naturals had a rusty orange color that had a translucent
quality. By applying the dubbing in a somewhat loose wrap, the appearance of translucency is achieved. |