Dry FliesJeffrey Dauber
The Jeffrey Dauber is an incredibly realistic wasp and bee imitation that incorporates foam construction with strategic appendages for a pattern that looks like it just flew off a windowsill. This innovative design features a bright yellow foam butt with black foam overlay creating the distinctive banded pattern of a yellow jacket, rubber legs for lifelike movement, a neatly dubbed thorax, and a macrame yarn wing that provides both silhouette and visibility. The result is a pattern that triggers aggressive strikes from trout accustomed to feeding on stinging insects.
Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases an innovative approach to terrestrial imitations that targets fish feeding on bees, wasps, and yellow jackets. The Jeffrey Dauber uses a foam construction that ensures the fly rides properly in the surface film while remaining virtually unsinkable. The tippet connector between the butt and body sections creates a unique segmented appearance that perfectly mimics the narrow waist of hymenopteran insects. The combination of the bright yellow butt and black foam bands creates the instantly recognizable coloration of a wasp or bee.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2487, #14-16
Thread: Veevus 14/0, black
Butt: McFlylon (yellow) and Thin Fly Foam 3mm (black)
Connector: 0X Tippet
Legs: Sexi-Legs, barred amber small
Body: Thin Fly Foam 3mm, black
Thorax: Superfine Dubbing, black
Wing: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, gold rust grey black
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during summer and fall when terrestrial insects are most active. Wasps and bees are particularly prevalent around water sources from July through October.
Presentation
Cast near overhanging vegetation, grassy banks, and anywhere wasps and bees might fall onto the water. A splashy presentation can imitate a struggling insect and trigger strikes. Dead drift through slower runs and pools where fish have time to inspect the fly.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fish are feeding on terrestrials or when you need an attractor pattern that suggests something substantial and worth eating. Particularly effective when actual wasps or bees are active near the water.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the slower pools, runs, and undercut banks where trout feed opportunistically on terrestrial insects. Also effective on stillwater where bees and wasps frequently end up.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 4X-5X tippet. The foam construction provides excellent buoyancy for dry-dropper rigs if desired.
Visibility & Floatation
The yellow foam butt and variegated macrame wing provide excellent visibility for the angler. The foam construction ensures the fly floats indefinitely, even after multiple fish or extended fishing sessions.
