Dry FliesTrico Dun

A small, delicate dry fly pattern designed to imitate the adult stage of the Trico mayfly. It's a must-have pattern during Trico hatches, especially on spring creeks and tailwaters.

Season
Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Advanced
Target Species
Trout
Trico Dun - Image source: Umpqua Feather Merchants
Image source: Umpqua Feather Merchants

Overview

This delicate dry fly imitates the male Trico mayfly dun. Tied small (#20–#26), it uses a slender thread or biot body, upright dun-colored hackle tips for wings, and a sparse tail. Best tied in black or olive with exacting proportions for selective trout.

Pattern Characteristics

Advanced Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Summer
Fall
Imitates: Trico Mayflies

Materials

Hook: #18-22 Tiemco 100
Thread: Black UTC 70
Tail: White Coq De Leon
Body: Olive Stripped Quill
Wing: White Hen Neck Feathers
Hackle: Black Whiting Rooster Cape or Midge Saddle

Fishing Tips

Season

Summer and Fall

Presentation

Dead drift with a delicate presentation.

When to Use

During a Trico hatch, early in the morning.

Water Type

Primarily effective in moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Use a light tippet and a long leader for a stealthy approach.

Visibility & Floatation

Small and can be hard to see, but the CDC wing adds visibility. Floats well due to hackle and CDC.