NymphDorsey's Top Secret Baetis
Dorsey's Top Secret Baetis is a highly effective Blue-Winged Olive nymph pattern that has earned its legendary status on Western tailwaters. This deceptively simple pattern features a thread body ribbed with fine wire, a dubbed thorax, and a medallion sheeting wingcase that creates a realistic segmented appearance. The partridge tail and legs provide subtle movement that triggers strikes from selective trout during Baetis emergences.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases Pat Dorsey's innovative Baetis imitation that has become a go-to pattern for technical tailwater fishing. The pattern's effectiveness lies in its realistic profile and segmented appearance created by the thread body and wire rib. The medallion sheeting wingcase adds a subtle sheen that mimics the developing wing pads of a natural Baetis nymph. The partridge fibers provide just enough movement to trigger strikes without appearing unnatural.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488, #16-22
Thread: Danville 6/0, olive brown
Tail: Partridge
Rib: UTC Wire, small, black
Body: Danville 6/0 Thread, olive brown
Thorax: Superfine Dubbing, olive brown
Wingcase: Medallion Sheeting Gen 2, light dun
Legs: Partridge
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness wherever Baetis populations exist. Most productive during spring and fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches, but effective anytime trout key on small mayfly nymphs.
Presentation
Fish dead drift in the film or just below the surface during emergence periods. The pattern excels when presented in the slower water adjacent to seams where emergers concentrate.
When to Use
Select this pattern during Baetis hatches or when fish are feeding on small mayfly nymphs in technical waters. The realistic profile fools even the most selective tailwater trout.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly tailwaters and spring creeks where Baetis populations thrive. Most effective in slower currents, eddies, and foam lines where emergers collect.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 6X-7X fluorocarbon. Excellent in a two-nymph rig with a heavier point fly, or as a single fly in shallow, clear water where fish are actively feeding on emergers.
Visibility & Floatation
The olive brown coloration matches natural Baetis nymphs. The pattern is designed to sink slowly and can be fished in the film during active emergences. The medallion sheeting wingcase adds subtle flash without appearing unnatural.
