February Fly Of The Month - The Dawson's Olive

Video Description:

Dawson’s Olive

The Dawson’s Olive is a fly that can be found in many a northerner’s fly box, and many a southerner’s nowadays, for that matter.
It appears that the lure originated in the northeast many years ago and was used up there for some time before the rest of the country became wise to its successfulness.
As with most lures, this fly can be fished on any number of lines, although a sinking line will see it perform best.
The pattern itself wasn’t designed to imitate anything, although it can be a fairly good representation of a damsel nymph – the colours are about right. Also, when the fly is pulled at speed, it can really do the damage on fish that are feeding on daphnia.
Mix your retrieve up a bit, as with all lure fishing. Try not to get stuck in a rut; you need to make the fly work for you.
With the mobile tail and wing, a jerky retrieve can often work very well. If you want to fish the fly through the water at the same level, use an intermediate line and speed things up with a roly-poly retrieve – this can be deadly on daphnia feeders.
It’s a great pattern, and isn’t difficult to tie. Give it a go – you won’t be disappointed.

Hook: Long-shank, size 10
Thread: Olive
Tail: Yellow marabou
Body: Olive chenille
Rib: Silver wire
Wing: Olive marabou
Beard hackle: Blue guinea foul

Click here to download the 'how to tie' PDF