Dry FliesTriple Wing Spinner
The Triple Wing Spinner is an innovative spent mayfly pattern that creates a more visible and realistic silhouette through its unique three-wing configuration. This pattern features a split white mayfly tail, a slim rusty brown superfine dubbing body, and three gray poly yarn wings arranged to suggest a spent mayfly while providing excellent visibility for the angler. The triple wing approach creates a more substantial footprint on the water than traditional spent wing patterns.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box addresses the perennial challenge of spinner fishing - visibility. Spinner falls often occur in low light conditions at dusk, making it difficult to track traditional spent wing patterns on the water. The triple wing configuration solves this problem by creating a larger, more visible profile while still presenting the spent mayfly silhouette that fish expect. The gray poly yarn provides excellent visibility against both light and dark water while the rusty brown body and white tails accurately imitate the coloration of many spent mayflies. The Umpqua XC110BL-BN hook provides a wide gape for solid hookups and the barbless design allows for easy releases. The Veevus 14/0 thread in matching rusty brown creates a smooth underbody while keeping the pattern slim. This pattern works well for imitating various mayfly spinners including rusty spinners, brown drakes, and PMD spinners.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XC110BL-BN, #14-20
Thread: Veevus 14/0, rusty brown
Tail: Mayfly Tails, white
Body: Superfine Dubbing, rusty brown
Wing: Poly Yarn, gray
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during mayfly spinner falls in spring, summer, and fall. Peak productivity occurs during evening spinner falls when spent mayflies blanket the water surface.
Presentation
Fish dead drift with a completely drag-free presentation. Spinners lie flat on the water, so any drag will immediately alert selective fish. Target subtle rise forms that indicate spinner-feeding fish - often just a sipping rise or dimple.
When to Use
Select this pattern during or after spinner falls when fish are rising to spent mayflies. The triple wing design is particularly valuable in low-light conditions when tracking your fly becomes difficult.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly smooth glides, pool tailouts, and slow runs where spinners collect. Works exceptionally well on technical spring creeks and tailwaters during spinner activity.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 12-15 foot leader tapering to 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. The fine tippet helps the fly land softly and drift naturally. Position yourself for minimal false casting to avoid spooking fish during the quiet of a spinner fall.
Visibility & Floatation
The triple poly yarn wing configuration provides excellent visibility even in low light conditions. Apply floatant to the wings but keep the body and tail untreated to help the fly sit properly in the film with only the wings prominently visible.
