Fly Tying

Baetis is one of the most important aquatic insect genera for trout and grayling fishing. Known commonly as Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), these small mayflies are present almost year-round, with hatches peaking in spring and fall. Their abundance and regular activity make them a critical food source for fish in both rivers and streams.

Tying keys points:

• Slim body: Baetis nymphs are slender insects, not bulky. Use thread instead dubbing.
• Small size: Tie them small, usually size 16 to 20.-Baetis are naturally small!
• Color Accuracy: Stick with natural shades: olive, olive-brown, dark grey, or dark green.
• Natural Movement: Use soft materials like CDC fibers, partridge, or soft feathers, avoid stiff and rigid patterns—movement triggers strikes.
• Realistic Segmentation: A thin wire or fine tinsel ribbing gives a subtle segmented look, making the fly look more natural.
• Weight Wisely: Lightly weighted flies with a thin tungsten wire underbody sink at a natural rate—important for imitating Baetis that drift freely before hatching. Or no weight at all (for emerging nymphs)

Because Baetis nymphs are agile swimmers, darting around rocks and vegetation, a simple fly is far more effective—tying Baetis patterns doesn’t require complicated techniques; a slim body, a small wingcase, and a fine tail are all you need to create a nymph that trout and grayling will hunt.