Capt. Ken’s Coffin Fly Spinner – Upper Delaware River Green & Brown Drake

Capt. Ken’s Coffin Fly Spinner is a proven Upper Delaware River pattern developed specifically for the famous Green Drake and Brown Drake spinner falls. When these enormous mayflies return to the water after mating, they can cover entire stretches of river. Matching the spent-wing profile of these naturals is often the key to fooling selective trout.

Description

In the Upper Delaware River system, the emergence of Green Drakes and Brown Drakes is a major annual event. Anglers travel from all over the country to experience these spectacular hatches and the exceptional trout fishing they can produce.

After the hatch, the adult drakes return to the water as spent spinners, with their wings spread flat against the surface. During heavy spinner falls, trout can become extremely selective, feeding on these insects while ignoring traditional upright-wing dry flies.

Capt. Ken’s Coffin Fly Spinner was developed to create the right impression on the water when trout are feeding on these spent drakes.

This is one of two popular local Upper Delaware River Coffin Fly patterns developed by Capt. Ken Tutalo. It has been a regular in our fly bins for years and has also been featured in books and articles focused on Catskill trout fishing.

How to Fish It

Fish this pattern during Green Drake and Brown Drake spinner falls, especially when spent adults are covering the water.

• Use a dead drift: Present the fly naturally through feeding lanes without adding unnecessary movement.

• Target slower water: Focus on pools, flat sections, tailouts, and softer current seams where trout collect drifting spinners.

• Fish to rising trout: Look for steady, subtle rises rather than the aggressive splashes often associated with trout feeding on duns.

• Make a careful presentation: During heavy spinner falls, trout may have plenty of naturals to choose from. A drag-free drift is essential.

Details

• Pattern: Capt. Ken’s Coffin Fly Spinner

• Designer: Capt. Ken Tutalo

• Imitation: Spent Green Drake and Brown Drake mayflies

• Style: Spent-wing spinner dry fly

• Size: #8 Long

• Sizing: One large size

Capt. Ken’s Guide Tips

The Coffin Fly spinner fall is one of the most important events of the Upper Delaware fishing season. When these large drake spinners cover the river, trout can become highly selective.

One of the biggest mistakes anglers make is continuing to fish a traditional upright-wing Green Drake when trout have switched over to spent spinners. Pay attention to the way the fish are rising and what is actually drifting on the surface

I recommend carrying a dedicated Coffin Fly spinner pattern and fishing it on a long, drag-free drift. Concentrate on the softer water and feeding lanes where trout can comfortably pick off these large spent insects. When the timing is right, this can be some of the most exciting dry fly fishing of the season.

Why Choose Capt. Ken’s Custom Flies?

Capt. Ken’s Custom Flies offers a carefully selected collection of fishing flies chosen for their effectiveness on the water. Our selection includes innovative local patterns and proven standards, drawing on the experience of professional fly fishing guides who pursue game fish in both freshwater and saltwater.

Since 2000, our focus has been on providing anglers with effective, quality fishing flies selected through real-world fishing experience.