Midge / EmergersRosenbaur's Rabbit Foot Emerger
A highly effective emerger pattern designed by Tom Rosenbaur. The rabbit foot wing imitates the emerging wings of a mayfly, and the slim body and bead help it sink to the right depth.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Rosenbauer's Rabbit Foot Emerger is a refined take on the classic emerger, featuring a snowshoe rabbit foot wing for superior floatation and visibility. Variants often adjust body color, dubbing type, or add a trailing shuck to better match local mayfly species and water conditions.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Firehole Sticks 316, size #16–#20
Thread: Olive Ultra Thread 70 denier
Body: Olive dubbing
Ribbing: Fine gold wire
Wing: Natural rabbit foot fur
Head: Gold bead to match hook size
Fishing Tips
Season
Spring and Summer when mayflies are hatching.
Presentation
Fish it in the surface film or just below with a dead drift.
When to Use
During a mayfly hatch when fish are refusing dry flies.
Water Type
Ideal for moving water such as rivers and streams.
Rigging Suggestions
Try it as the top fly in a tandem nymph rig or on a dropper off a dry fly.
Visibility & Floatation
This fly is designed to sink to imitate an emerging insect. The rabbit foot wing adds some movement and visibility, but it is a subtle pattern designed to fool wary fish.
