Dry FliesUpright Baetis Dun
The Upright Baetis Dun is a refined dry fly pattern designed to imitate a fully emerged Blue-Winged Olive dun. The upright EP Trigger Point wing and Coq de Leon tail create a realistic mayfly profile, while the olive brown Ice Dub thorax adds flash and attraction. Tied on a barbless hook for easy releases.
Spring, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Dec 2025
Overview
The Upright Baetis Dun was developed at Blue Ribbon Flies to complement their emerger patterns when fish prefer fully emerged duns. The EP Trigger Point wing material creates a subtle, translucent wing that matches the appearance of Baetis wings. The barbless Tiemco 206BL hook allows for quick, easy releases.
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 206BL, #20
Thread: Uni-Thread, 8/0, olive dun
Tail: Coq de Leon, dun
Thorax: Ice Dub, olive brown
Wing: EP Trigger Point Fibers, BWO
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Fully emerged baetis duns float with wings held upright while their bodies dry, riding extended drifts during cool weather when damp conditions delay flight. Their prolonged surface exposure during overcast days creates predictable feeding opportunities.
Where Trout Eat It: Fish rise methodically in flats, slicks, and slow runs where emerged duns drift during extended float times.
How to Fish It: Present with drag-free drift riding high in the film, matching the upright wing posture of fully emerged naturals.
Best Water: Target slicks where duns float motionless, runs with consistent surface currents, and tail-outs collecting drifting emergers.
Strike Type: Watch for deliberate sipping rises as fish confidently intercept drifting duns with minimal splash.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Fish on 12-15 foot leader with 6X-7X tippet. The barbless hook requires careful fish playing but allows easy release. Keep the wing dressed with floatant.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective during (March-May) and (September-November) Baetis hatches. These are the prime seasons for BWO activity on most waters.
Pro Tips: The BWO Trigger Point wing provides good visibility while maintaining a realistic profile. The Ice Dub thorax adds subtle flash.
Entomology
Blue-winged olive duns emerge in cool weather and ride the current with wings held upright like tiny sailboats, unable to fly immediately in cold or damp conditions. Their extended float time in challenging weather makes them particularly attractive to selective trout that feed methodically during these prolonged hatches.
- Order
- Ephemeroptera
- Family
- Baetidae
- Common Name
- Blue-Winged Olive
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- adult