Dry FliesBarr's Visadun
Barr's Visadun is John Barr's innovative take on the classic thorax-style dry fly. This pattern combines easy visibility for the angler with a natural, low-riding silhouette that trout find irresistible. The highly visible McFlylon wing makes the fly easy to track in challenging light conditions while the sparse hackle allows the body to ride in the surface film where feeding trout expect to see mayfly duns.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases John Barr's approach to designing patterns that are both effective and practical for the angler. The Visadun incorporates several tying techniques that improve durability without sacrificing the natural silhouette that makes thorax patterns so effective. John recommends this pattern as the front fly in a two-fly rig, often dropping a Barr Emerger off the bend anywhere from six to eighteen inches back. The Visadun serves as an unobtrusive indicator that allows feeding fish to take the dropper without raising suspicion.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 101, #16-22
Thread: Veevus 14/0, gray
Tail: Spade Hackle or Coq de Leon, dun
Body: Superfine Dubbing, gray olive
Wing: McFlylon or Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, gray
Hackle: Rooster Neck or Saddle, dun
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from spring through fall during mayfly hatches. Particularly deadly during Blue Winged Olive and Pale Morning Dun emergences when size 16-20 versions match the natural profile.
Presentation
Dead drift through feeding lanes, keeping the fly in the film. The gray wing post makes it easy to track the drift while the low profile doesn't spook educated fish.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fish are keyed in on mayfly duns but refusing more traditional patterns. Excellent during technical hatches where visibility matters and fish are selective.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the slow pools and tailouts where mayflies collect and trout establish feeding stations. The light wire hook and sparse dressing allow the fly to ride naturally in the surface film.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 5X-6X tippet. Works exceptionally well as an indicator fly with a small emerger dropper tied 6-18 inches off the bend.
Visibility & Floatation
The gray McFlylon wing provides excellent visibility for the angler while the dun hackle and sparse body maintain a natural silhouette. Apply floatant to the wing and hackle before use.
