Euro NymphsBaetis Max
The Baetis Max is a tailwater fish tamer designed for pressured trout that see countless flies daily. The CDC collar creates subtle movement while veiling the tinsel body underneath, allowing flash to peek through without overwhelming spooky fish. Created by Cade at Fly Fish Food, this durable, quick-to-tie pattern has become a go-to for technical tailwater situations.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Baetis Max uses a clever technique where CDC fibers veil over a tinsel body, reducing the flash to a subtle glow that won't spook educated fish. The Ice Dub collar adds sparkle and creates a buggy profile. This pattern was developed through extensive testing on heavily pressured tailwater fish and consistently outperforms flashier alternatives when trout are being selective.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill 5125 Jig Force Short Barbless, size #20 (or Umpqua XC210BL-BN Perdi-Jig)
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 8/0, olive dun (or medium olive)
Bead: Tactical Tungsten Drop Bead, silver, 3.0mm (or Insta Jig Tungsten Head 2.8mm nickel)
Collar: Fulling Mill CDC Feathers 1G, natural grey (or light dun)
Dubbing: Ice Dub, olive brown (or Hends Spectra Dubbing olive)
Rib/Body: Perdigones Pearl Body, dark brown (or UNI Mylar Double-Sided Tinsel peacock/orange)
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round but excels during Baetis hatches in spring and fall. The subtle flash and movement work in any season when fish are feeding subsurface.
Presentation
Fish under a dry fly in a dry-dropper rig for maximum effectiveness. Also works well on tight-line euro rigs. The small profile and heavy bead allow precise placement in feeding lanes.
When to Use
Deploy on pressured tailwaters where trout have become wary of standard patterns. Excellent when fish are feeding on Baetis but refusing flashier imitations. Works in both clear and slightly off-color water.
Water Type
Designed specifically for tailwaters but effective on any water holding Baetis. Excels in smooth runs, tailouts, and slower pools where trout have time to inspect offerings.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish in sizes #18-#22 on 5X-6X fluorocarbon. Ideal as dropper 12-18 inches below a Baetis dry fly. In euro rigs, use as point fly for maximum sensitivity to subtle takes.
Visibility & Floatation
The tungsten drop bead sinks quickly while the CDC collar provides subtle movement. The veiled tinsel body creates a muted flash visible to fish without alarming them. Slim profile drifts naturally.
