Dry FliesHendrickson Sparkle Dun
The Hendrickson Sparkle Dun is a modern emerger-style dry fly designed to imitate the Hendrickson mayfly during the critical transition from nymph to adult. Featuring a splayed deer hair wing, trailing Zelon shuck, and a custom-blended dubbing that matches the distinctive coloring of the natural, this pattern rides low in the film where selective trout expect to find struggling emergers.
Spring
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This pattern showcases Matt Grobert's custom dubbing blend of equal parts light tan, gray, and pink rabbit fur, specifically formulated to match the distinctive underside coloring of Hendrickson duns. The brown Zelon serves double duty as both a trailing shuck representing the nymphal case and adding sparkle to the wing. The deer hair wing is splayed rather than upright, creating a more realistic silhouette and helping the fly sit properly in the surface film.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Standard dry-fly hook (Dai-Riki 305 or similar), #12–#16
Thread: Olive, 6/0
Wing: Light dun coastal deer hair, stacked and cleaned
Trailing Shuck: Brown Zelon
Abdomen: Blended rabbit fur (equal parts light tan, gray, and pink)
Thorax: Same as abdomen
Fishing Tips
Season
Specifically designed for the Hendrickson hatch, which typically occurs in mid-April through early May in the Northeast. This is one of the first major mayfly hatches of the season and often produces exceptional dry fly fishing.
Presentation
Cast upstream to rising fish and achieve a dead drift through the feeding lane. The low-riding profile makes this fly particularly effective when fish are keyed in on emergers rather than fully emerged duns. A slight twitch can sometimes trigger refusals into takes.
When to Use
Most effective when trout are refusing traditional high-riding dry flies during Hendrickson emergences. Look for fish rising with subtle, sipping rises rather than splashy takes, indicating they're targeting emergers in the film.
Water Type
Excels on the pools, flats, and slower runs of Eastern freestone streams and tailwaters during Hendrickson season. The pattern was developed for the technical spring creek and tailwater fishing where trout see significant pressure.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 10-12 foot leader tapered to 5X or 6X tippet. The low-riding design requires careful attention to drag-free drifts. Apply floatant sparingly to the deer hair wing only, keeping the trailing shuck and body in the film.
Visibility & Floatation
This fly rides low in the surface film rather than on top of it like traditional dry flies. The light dun deer hair wing provides visibility to the angler while presenting a realistic profile to the fish. The Zelon adds subtle flash that can help attract fish from a distance.
