Dry FliesHarrop Hairwing Dun
The Harrop Hairwing Dun is a dry fly pattern designed by Hermann Schibli. This effective pattern works well in a variety of water conditions and is tied with traditional materials for a proven presentation.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
Hermann Schibli's interpretation uses hair wing materials instead of traditional feather fibers, creating exceptional durability and a distinct silhouette. The hair wing provides natural buoyancy and maintains its shape through multiple fish, making it practical for extended fishing sessions. The design balances realistic proportions with the robust construction needed for demanding water conditions and aggressive takes.
Materials
Hook: Partridge SLD #14 (or size to match the natural)
Thread: Benecchi 12/0, tan
Tail: Hackle barbs, sandy dun - split
Body: SLF Minky Dubbing #12 Mayfly (or color to match the natural mayfly)
Hackle: Sandy Dun (or color to match the natural mayfly)
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Newly-emerged mayfly duns float downstream with wings held upright in a vertical position, their bodies resting in the surface film as they dry. The deer hair wing creates a translucent, upright profile while maintaining stability in varied current speeds, matching the sail-like drift of natural duns.
Where Trout Eat It: Selective trout sip mayfly duns in ultra-clear, slow water where smooth surfaces allow scrutiny. Fish hold in glides and flat pools, rising to the realistic hair wing profile.
How to Fish It: Use long, fine leaders (12+ feet to 5X-6X) for drag-free drifts. The hair wing allows subtle skittering above selective risers.
Best Water: Target smooth glides and flat tail-outs where trout rise repeatedly in feeding lanes.
Strike Type: Spring creek trout sip duns with deliberate, measured rises; watch the rise form develop and lift the rod when the fly is taken.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 5X tippet for delicate presentations. Apply floatant to the body and hackle.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective during peak feeding periods at dawn and dusk. Water temperatures between 45-65°F typically produce best results.
Pro Tips: Floats well with proper floatant application. The natural materials provide good visibility without spooking wary fish.
Entomology
Mayfly duns emerge during spinner falls and hatch periods, sitting upright on the water with wings held vertically while drifting passively in surface currents until their wings dry sufficiently for flight. Trout feed selectively on these duns because they represent prime-condition insects in their most nutritious life stage, offering maximum caloric reward with predictable presentation.
- Order
- Ephemeroptera
- Common Name
- Mayfly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- adult