{
  "url": "https://theflybench.com/patterns/trout-m-r-e",
  "id": "cmmlx2l8pkxg18vrq0led",
  "title": "Trout M.R.E.",
  "createdAt": "2026-02-22T01:29:33.272Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-22T01:29:33.272Z",
  "slug": "trout-m-r-e",
  "description": "Joyce Westphal designed this high-calorie meal offering suggesting multiple food sources. Chunky profile and mixed materials create substantial silhouette appealing to larger, energy-conscious trout. Combines elements of terrestrials and adult aquatic insects, making it effective during periods of opportunistic feeding on diverse sources.",
  "imitates": "Mayflies, Caddis",
  "patternCategory": "dry-fly",
  "difficulty": "Intermediate",
  "variantOf": "",
  "targetSpecies": "Trout",
  "waterTypes": [
    "Moving Water",
    "Stillwater"
  ],
  "seasons": [
    "Spring",
    "Summer",
    "Fall"
  ],
  "materials": "**Hook**: Umpqua U201 #14 (or equivalent)\n**Thread**: Benecchi 12/0, tan\n**Abdomen**: Peacock quill, stripped\n**Thorax**: Pine squirrel back",
  "images": [
    {
      "url": "/images/patterns/dry-fly/trout-m-r-e.webp",
      "source": "The Fly Bench"
    }
  ],
  "videos": [
    {
      "label": "Hans Weilenmann",
      "url": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjxvCFyudI8"
    }
  ],
  "regions": [
    "Worldwide"
  ],
  "waters": [],
  "tags": [
    "dead-drift",
    "baetis-hatch",
    "caddis-hatch",
    "classic",
    "modern"
  ],
  "essential": false,
  "tier": "",
  "entomology": {
    "order": "Trichoptera",
    "family": "",
    "commonName": "Caddisfly",
    "organismType": "insect",
    "lifeStage": "adult",
    "behavior": "In nutrient-rich waters, caddis populations explode into massive emergences where hundreds of adults crowd the surface simultaneously. Fish respond to these superhatches with sustained surface feeding, knowing the sheer volume of insects guarantees successful strikes."
  },
  "relatedPatterns": [
    {
      "slug": "split-foam-back-emerger",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "klipspringer-cripple-mayfly",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "the-stillwater-nymph",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "aero-baetis-2-0",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wd-50",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "barr-s-tungstone",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "bird-s-nest",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "possie-bugger",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    }
  ],
  "behaviorPresentation": "**Natural Behavior**: Adult mayflies and caddis drift on the surface after emergence or egg-laying, wings spread or folded, creating substantial silhouettes that signal high-energy meals to opportunistic feeders. The chunky profile suggests multiple insects or a single large specimen worth pursuing.\n**Where Trout Eat It**: Larger fish hold in runs and pools where substantial drifting insects concentrate, positioning at current breaks and along seams where food funnels naturally. Energy-conscious trout target these feeding lanes during peak surface activity.\n**How to Fish It**: Present with upstream casts allowing drag-free drift through prime holding water, or add subtle twitches near bank structure to suggest struggling insects. The substantial offering triggers aggressive responses from fish seeking calorie-dense meals.\n**Best Water**: Most productive along current breaks, seams, and foam lines where surface insects accumulate, plus tail-outs and pool heads where larger trout intercept drifting food.\n**Strike Type**: Strikes range from confident head-and-tail rises to aggressive splashy takes, reflecting the energy-conscious decision to pursue a substantial meal.",
  "fishingStrategy": "**Rigging Suggestions**: Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 3X-4X tippet. Heavier tippet matches substantial profile and supports aggressive strikes from larger, energy-conscious fish.\n**Seasonal Timing**: Most effective during terrestrial season June through September when water temperatures range 55-70°F. Mid-day periods produce best results when energy-conscious trout seek substantial food items over frequent small offerings.\n**Pro Tips**: Chunky profile appeals to energy-conscious trout seeking substantial meals. The mixed materials suggest multiple food sources, triggering opportunistic feeding when fish prioritize calorie intake over selective behavior.",
  "overview": "Joyce Westphal designed this pattern as a high-calorie meal offering that suggests multiple food sources. The chunky profile and mixed materials create a substantial silhouette that appeals to larger, energy-conscious trout. The pattern combines elements of terrestrials and adult aquatic insects, making it effective during periods when fish are opportunistically feeding on diverse food sources rather than keying on a specific hatch."
}