{
  "url": "https://theflybench.com/patterns/mags",
  "id": "cmmlx2l8phvu82ku79abg",
  "title": "Mags",
  "createdAt": "2026-02-22T01:29:33.269Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-22T01:29:33.269Z",
  "slug": "mags",
  "description": "Steve Davenport's pattern combines CDC and traditional dry fly materials creating exceptionally buoyant offering. Split wing design provides realistic mayfly or caddis silhouette while CDC dubbing thorax adds natural flotation. Sits low in surface film while maintaining visibility across multiple hatch situations.",
  "imitates": "Mayflies, Caddis",
  "patternCategory": "dry-fly",
  "difficulty": "Intermediate",
  "variantOf": "",
  "targetSpecies": "Trout",
  "waterTypes": [
    "Moving Water",
    "Stillwater"
  ],
  "seasons": [
    "Spring",
    "Summer",
    "Fall"
  ],
  "materials": "**Hook**: Grip 14723BL #14\n**Thread**: Benecchi 12/0, black\n**Hackle**: Hen, dyed black\n**Rib**: Flash, opal\n**Body**: Cock pheasant tail barbs",
  "images": [
    {
      "url": "/images/patterns/dry-fly/mags.webp",
      "source": "The Fly Bench"
    }
  ],
  "videos": [
    {
      "label": "Hans Weilenmann",
      "url": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1A6EN-hphc"
    }
  ],
  "regions": [
    "Worldwide"
  ],
  "waters": [],
  "tags": [
    "dead-drift",
    "baetis-hatch",
    "caddis-hatch",
    "classic",
    "modern"
  ],
  "essential": false,
  "tier": "",
  "entomology": {
    "order": "Trichoptera",
    "family": "",
    "commonName": "Caddisfly",
    "organismType": "insect",
    "lifeStage": "adult",
    "behavior": "Adult caddisflies flutter erratically across the water surface during evening hatches, frequently dipping their abdomens to deposit eggs. Fish key on these vulnerable moments when the insects are distracted by reproduction and cannot escape quickly."
  },
  "relatedPatterns": [
    {
      "slug": "split-foam-back-emerger",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "klipspringer-cripple-mayfly",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "the-stillwater-nymph",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "aero-baetis-2-0",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wd-50",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "barr-s-tungstone",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "bird-s-nest",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "possie-bugger",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    }
  ],
  "behaviorPresentation": "**Natural Behavior**: Mayflies and caddis drift on the surface after emergence, wings held upright or tent-shaped while exoskeletons harden before flight. Classic profiles match diverse hatches.\n**Where Trout Eat It**: Fish patrol feeding lanes in the upper 6 inches, rising to adults in seams and tail-outs.\n**How to Fish It**: Cast upstream with drag-free drifts, allowing natural float through productive lies.\n**Best Water**: Tail-outs, seams, riffle edges, and slicks where surface insects concentrate naturally.\n**Strike Type**: Confident rises with head-and-shoulder movements as fish take drifting adults.",
  "fishingStrategy": "**Rigging Suggestions**: Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X tippet. Can serve as lead fly in dry-dropper rig with natural CDC flotation supporting subsurface offerings.\n**Seasonal Timing**: Most effective during mayfly emergences April through June and caddis activity May through September when water temperatures range 50-62°F. Morning and evening feeding periods produce most reliable results.\n**Pro Tips**: CDC dubbing thorax provides exceptional natural flotation with minimal floatant application. The split wing design creates realistic silhouette that works across multiple species during mixed hatch situations.",
  "overview": "Steve Davenport's Mags combines CDC and traditional dry fly materials to create an exceptionally buoyant pattern. The split wing design provides a realistic mayfly or caddis silhouette while the CDC dubbing thorax adds natural flotation. The pattern's effectiveness comes from its ability to sit low in the surface film while maintaining visibility. Its versatile profile works across multiple hatches, making it a valuable searching pattern."
}