Capt. Ken’s Rusty Spinner – Hackle Wing Mayfly Spinner

Capt. Ken Tutalo’s Rusty Spinner is a proven Upper Delaware River pattern developed through more than 40 years of refining and fishing mayfly spinner imitations. Spinner patterns are among the most important dry flies an Upper Delaware angler can carry, and this Hackle Wing Spinner has become one of our best-selling patterns.

Description

This is Capt. Ken Tutalo’s version of the traditional mayfly spinner, refined through decades of experience guiding and fishing the Upper Delaware River.

Mayfly spinners are a critical food source for trout. After mating, adult mayflies return to the water to lay their eggs and eventually die, often covering the surface in large numbers. During these spinner falls, trout can become extremely selective, feeding on spent insects while ignoring conventional dry flies.

Capt. Ken has spent more than 40 years experimenting with spinner patterns. These Hackle Wing Rusty Spinners are the result of that experience and have become a dependable choice for fishing selective trout.

While many spinner patterns are primarily used during evening or nighttime spinner falls, Capt. Ken’s Rusty Spinner has earned a reputation for producing in a much wider range of conditions. It is particularly useful when large trout are feeding selectively in broad daylight, even in crystal-clear, low-water conditions.

How to Fish It

Fish this pattern when trout are feeding on mayfly spinners, especially when you see fish taking insects with subtle rises.

• Daytime spinner feeding: Don't assume spinner fishing is limited to evenings. Try this pattern when trout are feeding on spent mayflies in bright daylight.

• Low, clear water: Use a careful approach and a natural dead drift when targeting wary trout in shallow or exceptionally clear conditions.

• Evening spinner falls: Fish it through pools, tailouts, and softer current seams when spent mayflies are returning to the water.

• Selective trout: When fish are refusing standard dry flies, switch to a spinner and concentrate on matching the natural drift.

Details

• Pattern: Capt. Ken’s Rusty Spinner

• Designer: Ken Tutalo

• Style: Hackle Wing Mayfly Spinner

• Imitation: Adult mayfly spinners / spent-wing mayflies

• Sizes: #8 through #20

• Best Use: Spinner falls, selective trout, and low-water dry fly fishing

Capt. Ken’s Guide Tips

The biggest mistake anglers make with spinner patterns is assuming they only matter at dusk. On the Upper Delaware, I have caught some of my best trout on spinners in the middle of the day.

When you find a large trout feeding in shallow, crystal-clear water, don't rush the presentation. Stay back, watch the fish, and identify its feeding lane. Make your cast so the fly enters the lane naturally and drifts without drag.

After more than 40 years of refining spinner patterns, this is the style I reach for when I need a reliable spent-mayfly imitation. Keep several sizes in your box because matching the size of the natural can be critical when trout are selective.

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.