The mighty March Brown hatch is our most prolific early spring hatch here in the Willamette Valley. In fact, it is one of the earliest large hatches across the country and even into Europe. The only well known hatch out West that can rival the spring March Brown hatch is the Skwala hatch, which we do not get consistent numbers like out East. Due to the sheer quantity of bugs hatching, fish get especially keyed in on vulnerable points in an insect’s emergence. They come in several forms: Stillborn, Emerger, Cripple, etc. This pattern paints with a broad stroke and can cover all three. Vertical hackle wraps allow additional on water alteration. If you need the fly to ride lower let the CDC get soaked, and clip the hackle with your nippers. My favorite way to fish this fly is behind a more visible March Brown Dun. Tie some up while it’s good!
-Simon
Hook- Ahrex Freshwater Short Nymph FW563: Size 14
Thread- Semperfli Nanosilk: Brown
Tail- Hareline Ringneck Pheasant Tail: Natural
Abdomen- Hareline Ringneck Pheasant Tail: Natural & Uni XS Soft Wire: Black
Throax- Fulling Mill Tactical Dry Fly Dub: March Brown
Hackle: Whiting Bronze Saddle: Brown
