Midge / EmergersBiot Emerger
The Biot Emerger is a classic mayfly emerger pattern that utilizes turkey biots to create a segmented, realistic abdomen. This simple yet effective pattern represents the critical emerger stage when mayflies are most vulnerable to feeding trout. The combination of a slim biot abdomen, fuzzy thorax, and antron wingcase creates the perfect silhouette of a mayfly struggling to break through the surface film.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases the effectiveness of turkey biots for creating realistic segmented bodies on small mayfly emergers. The pattern is designed to fish in or just below the surface film where emerging mayflies are most vulnerable. The antron yarn wingcase does double duty, providing both the emerging wing profile and the leg material from the leftover tips. This efficient use of materials keeps the pattern slim and proportional even in the smallest sizes.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 101, #18-22
Thread: Veevus 14/0, gray
Tail: Spade Hackle Fibers, brown
Abdomen: Turkey Biot, gold dyed
Wingcase: Antron Yarn, olive dun
Thorax: Beaver Dubbing, gray
Legs: Antron Yarn, olive dun (leftover tips from wingcase)
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from spring through fall during mayfly hatches. Particularly deadly during Blue Winged Olive, Pale Morning Dun, and small mayfly emergences.
Presentation
Fish in the film using a dead drift. Can be fished as a dropper behind a dry fly or on its own with a light application of floatant to the thorax area.
When to Use
Select this pattern when trout are refusing dry flies during a hatch - they're often keyed in on emergers trapped in the film. Excellent during technical hatches when fish are sipping emergers just below the surface.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the slow pools, tailouts, and seams where emergers collect. The light wire hook allows the fly to drift naturally in the surface film.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 6X-7X tippet. Works exceptionally well as a dropper 12-18 inches behind a high-floating dry fly indicator.
Visibility & Floatation
The olive dun antron wingcase provides a subtle emerger silhouette while the beaver dubbing thorax creates the fuzzy profile of a hatching mayfly. Fish this pattern in or just below the surface film.
