Midge / EmergersShanafelt's 3 Mile PMD
Shanafelt's 3 Mile PMD is a sophisticated emerger pattern designed specifically for those challenging Pale Morning Dun hatches when trout key on crippled and emerging mayflies. This pattern features pheasant tail fibers for both tail and abdomen, an olive brown Z-lon trailing shuck, copper wire ribbing, a shrimp pink ice dub thorax that mimics the flush of emerging PMDs, a white or light dun poly yarn wing for visibility, and a CDC collar that provides both flotation and lifelike movement in the surface film.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Pete Shanafelt pattern from Charlie's Fly Box addresses one of the most challenging situations in fly fishing - selective trout during PMD hatches. Unlike most mayflies that emerge at the surface, PMDs often emerge as winged adults underwater and then swim to the surface. This variable emergence means many get trapped in their nymphal shucks at various stages, creating the "crippled" presentation that trout often prefer. Shanafelt, a 42-year Bighorn River guide, originally designed this fly to fish subsurface but discovered that a couple false casts quickly dry the CDC collar, allowing it to sit on the surface with the loose feather tendrils rolling and moving naturally. The fire orange thread adds a subtle hotspot visible through the thorax materials. The shrimp pink ice dub creates the distinctive coloration of emerging PMDs while providing flash and texture.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 9300, #16
Thread: Veevus 14/0 or Nanosilk 30D (Semperfli), fire orange
Tail: Ringneck Pheasant Tail
Shuck: Z-Lon, olive brown
Rib: Wire (UTC), copper fine
Abdomen: Ringneck Pheasant Tail
Thorax: Ice Dub, shrimp pink
Wing: Poly Yarn, white or light dun
Collar: CDC, light dun
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring and summer PMD hatches, typically from late May through August depending on location. Peak effectiveness occurs during the heart of PMD emergence when trout become highly selective.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift in the surface film. The CDC collar allows the fly to ride properly - either just in or just under the surface depending on how much you've dried it. Target subtle rise forms that indicate fish feeding on emergers rather than fully emerged adults.
When to Use
Select this pattern when trout are rising during PMD hatches but refusing standard dry flies. Look for fish making subtle, sipping rises - characteristic of trout feeding on trapped or crippled emergers. Particularly effective when the hatch is sparse and trout have time to inspect each offering.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly tailwaters and spring creeks where PMD hatches are prolific and trout become highly educated. Most effective in slower pools, flats, and eddies where emergers concentrate.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 12-15 foot leader tapering to 6X-7X fluorocarbon tippet. The CDC collar can be dried with false casts to fish on top, or left damp to fish in the film. Apply no floatant to preserve the CDC's natural properties.
Visibility & Floatation
The white or light dun poly yarn wing provides visibility for the angler while the CDC collar controls the fly's position in the water column. The pattern can fish on top, in the film, or just below depending on preparation.
