Midge / EmergersDrake Mackerel Emerger
The Drake Mackerel Emerger is a foam-wing emerger designed to imitate Brown Drakes and other large mayflies during emergence. The grey foam wing pad keeps the fly suspended in the surface film while providing reliable floatation. The March Brown beaver dubbing body and grizzly dyed brown hackle create a realistic drake emerger profile.
Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Drake Mackerel Emerger was developed at Blue Ribbon Flies as a companion pattern to the Drake Mackerel Cripple. The foam wing pad provides unsinkable buoyancy for extended fishing during heavy hatches. The beaver dubbing creates a more natural, buggy appearance than synthetic dubbing while the brown ribbing adds segmentation.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 100 or Umpqua U002, #12
Thread: Uni-Thread, 8/0, tan
Shuck: Crinkled Zelon or Straight Zelon, mayfly brown
Body: Beaver Dubbing, March brown
Rib: Pearsall's Silk Floss or Uni-Stretch, brown
Wing Pad: Evazote Foam, grey
Hackle: Grizzly dyed brown dry fly hackle
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from late May through July during Brown Drake, Gray Drake, and Hexagenia hatches. Best during evening hours when drake emergence activity peaks.
Presentation
Dead drift with occasional twitches to mimic a struggling emerger. The foam construction allows the fly to ride properly without constant maintenance, ideal for covering water during heavy hatches.
When to Use
Best when fish are keyed on emergers but you need a pattern that won't sink after multiple fish. Excellent for long sessions during heavy emergences when durability matters.
Water Type
Ideal for slower sections of rivers and spring creeks where large mayflies emerge. The foam construction allows fishing in slightly choppier water than traditional emerger patterns.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X tippet. The foam provides enough buoyancy to support a small dropper nymph during the hatch. No floatant needed on the foam.
Visibility & Floatation
The grey foam wing pad provides good visibility and excellent floatation. Rides in the film with the shuck trailing below. Floats all day without waterlogging.
