Dry FliesMMM (Max's Mess Maker)
The MMM (Max's Mess Maker) is a versatile attractor dry fly that combines multiple elements for a buggy, high-floating profile that suggests caddis, mayflies, and general food forms. This multi-material pattern features a beaver dubbing body with mirage tinsel ribbing, palmered furnace hackle, a grizzly bear macrame yarn wing for visibility, and a forward deer hair wing for added buoyancy and silhouette. The complex construction creates a fly that works in varied conditions.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases an effective attractor pattern that combines proven elements from multiple successful dry flies. The MMM uses high-quality beaver dubbing for a natural body profile, mirage tinsel ribbing for subtle flash and segmentation, and a palmered furnace hackle for flotation and movement. The dual wing system with polypropylene macrame yarn and deer hair provides excellent visibility and buoyancy while suggesting the wing profile of various insects. The fine Nanosilk thread allows for precise wrapping without bulk on this complex pattern.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2487, #14
Thread: Nanosilk 30 Denier (Semperfli), brick beige
Body: Beaver Dubbing (Magpie Materials), tan
Rib: Mirage Tinsel, medium
Hackle: Rooster Cape (or Saddle), furnace
Wing: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, grizzly bear
Thorax: Beaver Dubbing (Magpie Materials), tan
Forward Wing: Deer Hair (short fine), natural
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from spring through fall when caddis and mayfly activity is highest. Works well during hatch windows and as a searching pattern between hatches.
Presentation
Fish with a drag-free dead drift, particularly in faster water where trout have less time to inspect flies. The high-floating design handles choppy water well and remains visible to both fish and angler.
When to Use
Select this pattern as an attractor or when you're not sure what's hatching. The complex profile suggests multiple food forms and can trigger opportunistic strikes from actively feeding trout.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly riffles, runs, and pocket water where the high-floating design excels. The multiple materials provide enough flotation to handle faster currents.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 4X-5X tippet. Works well as a single dry fly or as the indicator fly in a dry-dropper rig. Apply floatant liberally to the hackle and deer hair wing.
Visibility & Floatation
The grizzly bear macrame yarn wing provides excellent visibility for the angler while the deer hair forward wing and palmered hackle ensure the fly rides high and stays afloat in turbulent water.
