Dry FliesGrillos's User Friendly
Grillos's User Friendly is an innovative mayfly pattern designed by Anthony Grillo that combines proven materials in a uniquely effective configuration. This versatile dry fly features a foam back for unsinkable floatation, a purple dubbing body that fish find irresistible, and a smoke macrame yarn wing that provides excellent visibility. The white rubber legs add subtle movement while the grizzly hackle ensures proper flotation and a realistic footprint on the water.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases Anthony Grillo's creative approach to mayfly imitations. The User Friendly combines foam-backed durability with the fish-catching appeal of purple dubbing - a color that has proven deadly on selective trout. The foam back ensures the fly floats indefinitely even after multiple fish, while the macrame yarn wing provides the angler with excellent visibility without appearing unnatural to the fish. The grizzly hackle and white rubber legs complete the buggy profile.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XC110BL-BN, #12-16
Thread: Veevus 14/0, black
Tail: Mayfly Tails, tan or dun
Body: Antron Dubbing, purple
Back: Razor Foam, 1mm black
Wing: Macrame Yarn, smoke
Hackle: Rooster Cape (or Saddle), grizzly
Thorax: Ice Dub (or Antron Dubbing), purple
Legs: Fine Round Rubber Legs, white
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring through fall mayfly hatches, particularly during BWO and PMD emergences when the purple coloration seems to trigger more strikes than natural-colored patterns.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift in riffles, runs, and pocket water. The foam construction allows for aggressive presentations without worrying about sinking. The high visibility wing makes tracking easy in broken water.
When to Use
Select this pattern when standard mayfly dries are getting refused or when you need a fly that will float all day without constant drying. Especially effective when fish are feeding actively but seem to want something slightly different.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly freestone rivers and streams with riffles and pocket water. The durable construction handles rough water well while the realistic profile fools fish in slower currents.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 4X-5X tippet. The buoyant foam construction makes this an excellent indicator fly in dry-dropper rigs. Can support surprisingly heavy nymphs due to the foam back.
Visibility & Floatation
The smoke macrame yarn wing provides excellent visibility for the angler while maintaining a natural silhouette. The foam back combined with grizzly hackle ensures all-day floatation without the need for constant redressing.
