WD-40
Description
The WD-40 is a classic, minimalist emerger pattern developed by guide and angler Mark Engler. It is designed primarily to imitate Baetis (Blue Winged Olive) emergers, but it also works extremely well as a generic midge or small mayfly emerger. Its drab, natural colors and simple profile make it a true “guide fly” subtle, non-flashy, and highly effective in clear water and pressured trout conditions.
Recommended sizes: 18-22
Materials
- Dubbing: Gray muskrat dubbing
- Thread: Olive, 8/0 or 70-denier Thread.
- Hook: Scud/Emerger Hook
- Tails, Win Case: Woodduck Gold Mallard Flank
Tying Instructions
- 1.
Start the Danville 6/0 thread about two eye lengths behind the hook eye. Build a thread base down to about halfway into the bend.
- 2.
Select a small clump of mallard flank fibers. Pull them from the stem and bundle them neatly. Square the tips by breaking them off with your thumbnail.
- 3.
Measure the tail to about half a hook shank in length. Tie the fibers in at the bend and wrap forward over the butt ends toward the hook eye.
- 4.
Wrap the thread back about two-thirds of the shank and then forward again to form a very slight taper. Keep the body slim.
- 5.
Pull the remaining butt ends of the mallard fibers backward over the body. These will form the wing case later.
- 6.
Apply a generous amount of gray muskrat or beaver dubbing to the thread. Wrap a prominent, round thorax just behind the hook eye. This is a key feature of the pattern.
- 7.
Pull the mallard fibers forward over the thorax and secure them with a few thread wraps.
- 8.
Fold the fibers backward and wrap over them to lock them in. Trim the excess close to the head.
- 9.
Build a small thread head, whip finish, and trim the thread. Optionally apply a small drop of head cement.