Hendrickson Life Cycle Fly Selection – 16 Flies

A complete selection of proven Hendrickson patterns covering the hatch from nymphs and emerging mayflies to cripples and adult duns.

Description

The Hendrickson hatch is one of the most anticipated events of the spring season on the Upper Delaware River and other Eastern trout streams. This is the first large mayfly of the season that hatches in mass. This 16-fly selection brings together custom and time-tested patterns chosen by Capt. Ken Tutalo and the Baxter House guides to cover the different stages of the hatch.

These patterns are designed primarily to imitate the Hendrickson mayfly, Ephemerella subvaria. The male of this same species is commonly known as the Red Quill. The two forms differ in appearance, making it important to have patterns that account for both.

Why We Fish It

Hendricksons are an important early-season food source for trout. During the hatch, fish may feed on drifting nymphs, emerging insects, cripples, or adult duns. Having patterns for the complete life cycle gives you the flexibility to match what trout are actually eating. Some of our largest Trout of the year come to net during this hatch.

A Delaware River Brown that sipped a Hendrickson Dun

When to Fish It

Fish this selection during the spring Hendrickson hatch, generally one of the first major mayfly events of the season on Eastern trout streams. Keep it available before the hatch begins, during the emergence, and when adult insects return to the water as spinners.

How to Fish It

Use the nymphs before and during the hatch, particularly when trout are feeding below the surface. Switch to emergers and cripples when fish are taking insects in or just below the surface film. Fish the adult patterns when trout are rising to duns, and pay attention to the difference between the lighter female Hendrickson and the darker, reddish male Red Quill.

Baxter House Guide Tip

Don't assume every rising trout is eating the same Hendrickson. The female Hendrickson and male Red Quill can be noticeably different in color and profile. Carry both imitations, and don't overlook emergers when trout are rising but refusing your standard dry fly. Because Ephemerella species hatch in huge numbers there are always lots of Cripples and Still Born insects laying on the water. When you observe steadily rising fish tat appear to be eating nothing, switch to our CDC Knock Down Dun, Hackle Cripple or Hacke Wing Spinner which are included in the selection.

Details

• Selection: 16 flies

• Mayfly represented: Hendrickson / Red Quill – Ephemerella subvaria

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

• Sizes: #10–#12

• Selected by: Capt. Ken Tutalo and the Baxter House guides