Dry FliesTrude

The Trude is a versatile and effective fly pattern that's great for attracting various species. Its brightly colored wing helps it stand out in various water conditions.

Season
Spring, Summer
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Trude - Image source: Orvis
Image source: Orvis

Overview

A traditional attractor dry fly with a downwing made from white calf tail or hair, dubbed or floss body, and hackle. Originally tied with red floss and peacock herl, modern Trudes come in many color variants. The wing offers great visibility and skates well in riffles.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Stillwater
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Imitates: Mayflies

Materials

Hook: #08-16 Tiemco 100
Thread: Black UTC 70
Tail: Golden Pheasant Tippets
Body: Peacock Herl
Tag: Red or Chartreuse Floss
Wing: White Calf Tail
Hackle: Brown Whiting Rooster Cape

Fishing Tips

Season

Spring and Summer

Presentation

Dead drift with occasional twitches

When to Use

During a mayfly hatch or as an attractor pattern

Water Type

Effective in both stillwater and moving water

Rigging Suggestions

Can be used as a single dry fly or as part of a hopper-dropper setup

Visibility & Floatation

The bright white wing makes the Trude highly visible, and the hackle helps it float high on the water's surface.