Dry FliesHi-Vis Epeorus Spinner
The Hi-Vis Epeorus Spinner is designed to imitate Pink Lady and other Epeorus mayfly spinners with a black EP fiber post for visibility in low-light conditions. The Coq de Leon tail and Zelon wings create a realistic spinner profile while the black post allows tracking during evening spinner falls when these mayflies are most active.
Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Dec 2025

Overview
The Hi-Vis Epeorus Spinner was developed at Blue Ribbon Flies to match the Epeorus (Pink Lady) spinner falls that occur on many western rivers. The black post provides excellent visibility against both light and dark backgrounds, while the Coq de Leon tail adds realism with its natural barring. This pattern is essential for evening dry fly fishing during summer.
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 100SP-BL, #16
Thread: Uni-Thread, 8/0, tan
Tail: Coq de Leon, light speckled
Body: Superfine Dubbing, Epeorus spinner
Wing: Straight Zelon, white
Post: EP Fibers, black
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Post-mating Epeorus mayflies return to riffle tops and run edges, collapsing spent with wings outstretched in cruciform position. These dying adults drift motionless in the surface film with translucent wings spread horizontally, their rusty-pink bodies lying flush against the water as evening light fades and spinner falls concentrate in foam lines and seams.
Where Trout Eat It: Trout intercept spent Epeorus spinners lying flat in the surface film during evening spinner falls on Henry's Fork and Madison River. Fish establish feeding lanes in riffles and runs where spent-wing spinners concentrate in predictable drift patterns.
How to Fish It: Dead drift with drag-free presentation during late afternoon or evening spinner falls. The hi-vis post helps track the fly in fading light while the spent-wing silhouette and rusty coloration match naturals lying motionless in the film.
Best Water: Riffle tails and run edges where Epeorus spinners return to lay eggs, focusing on foam lines and seams at dusk when female spinners fall spent over fast water sections.
Strike Type: Expect lazy, confident rises—fish intercept spent spinners with slow head-and-tail porpoising movements, often rising repeatedly in the same feeding lane as spinners accumulate during evening falls.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Fish on 10-12 foot leader with 5X-6X tippet. The barbless hook allows easy release.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective from June through August during Epeorus spinner falls. Peak activity occurs at dusk when female spinners return to lay eggs over riffles and runs.
Pro Tips: White Zelon wings float well and create a realistic spent wing appearance. Post is positioned to minimize fish detection.
Entomology
Adult Epeorus mayflies return to the water surface after mating, lying spent with wings outstretched in the surface film as they die. Trout key on these helpless insects because they provide an easy meal that drifts motionless in predictable feeding lanes.
- Order
- Ephemeroptera
- Common Name
- Mayfly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- adult