Dry FliesBWO Thorax

The BWO Thorax is a classic dry fly pattern that's been fooling trout for decades. This fly is designed to imitate a Blue Wing Olive mayfly, which are prolific in many rivers and streams.

Season
Spring, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
BWO Thorax - Image source: Ascent Fly Fishing
Image source: Ascent Fly Fishing

Overview

Tied to sit flush in the surface film, the BWO Thorax features an upright parachute-style hackle and a thorax-heavy body. Use a fine synthetic or natural dubbing for the body, a sparse tail (typically microfibbets), and a parachute post with grizzly hackle wrapped horizontally. Keep the thorax slightly bulkier to simulate the natural's proportions.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Spring
Fall
Imitates: Blue Wing Olive mayflies
Variant of: N/A

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 100, size #18–#22
Thread: Olive UNI-Thread 8/0
Tail: Coq de Leon fibers
Body: Olive superfine dubbing
Wing: Dun CDC feathers
Hackle: Grizzly rooster hackle

Fishing Tips

Season

Spring, Fall

Presentation

Cast upstream and let the fly drift naturally with the current. Try to match the speed of the natural bugs on the water.

When to Use

During a BWO hatch when trout are feeding on the surface.

Water Type

Primarily moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Tie this on using a standard clinch knot.

Visibility & Floatation

The CDC and hackle help this fly to float. The fly sits low in the water, mimicking a struggling mayfly, which makes it highly visible to feeding trout.

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