Sulfur Life Cycle Fly Selection – 16 Flies

A complete selection of proven Sulfur patterns covering the important stages of the hatch, from nymphs and emergers to cripples and adult mayflies.

Description

Sulfur hatches can bring some of the most consistent dry-fly fishing of the season, but trout don't always feed on the adults floating on the surface. They often key in on emerging insects, cripples, or insects just below the surface.

This 16-fly selection gives you a range of patterns to cover the different stages of the hatch. It includes flies designed to imitate several Sulfur-related mayflies, including Ephemerella invaria, Ephemerella dorothea, and Sulfurs in the Epeorus and Stenonema families.

Why We Fish It

Sulfur hatches involve more than one mayfly species, and trout can be selective about the stage of the insect they are eating. Having a range of patterns allows you to adjust to what the fish are actually taking instead of relying on a single dry fly.

When to Fish It

Fish this selection during Sulfur activity, generally when these mayflies are emerging and hatching. Keep it handy when trout are rising but refusing a standard adult dry fly.

How to Fish It

Start by matching the stage of the hatch. Use nymphs before and during emergence, switch to emergers and cripples when fish are feeding just below or in the surface film, and fish adult dry flies when trout are taking duns from the surface.

Baxter House Guide Tip

When trout are rising consistently but won't take your dry fly, don't immediately change the size. They may be feeding on emergers or cripples. Try a pattern sitting in the surface film before changing to another adult imitation.

Details

• Selection: 16 flies

• Imitations: Sulfur-related mayflies, including Ephemerella invaria, Ephemerella dorothea, and species in the Epeorus and Stenonema families

• Life stages: Nymphs, emergers, cripples, and adult dry flies

• Sizes: #14–#18