Isonychia Life Cycle Fly Selection, Isonychia Dry Fly, Isonychia Nymph, Slate Drake, Isonychia Emerger 20 Flies

Isonychia / Slate Drake Life Cycle Selection – 20 Flies

A complete selection of Isonychia patterns covering nymphs, emergers, cripples, and adult Slate Drakes in sizes #10 and #12.

Description

Isonychia, commonly called Slate Drakes, are important summer and fall mayflies on the Upper Delaware River and many other Eastern trout streams. This 20-fly selection includes custom and proven patterns chosen by Capt. Ken Tutalo to cover the different stages of the hatch.

The patterns represent Isonychia mayflies, including Isonychia bicolor and Isonychia sadleri. These larger mayflies provide trout with a substantial food source, and the fish can feed on them in several different stages.

Why We Fish It

Isonychia nymphs are active swimmers and an important food source for trout. The hatch can also produce opportunities with emerging insects, duns, and spinners. Having patterns for the entire life cycle gives you options beyond simply fishing an adult dry fly.

When to Fish It

Fish this selection during Isonychia activity, generally through the summer and into the fall, depending on the species and local conditions. Keep the nymphs available even when you don't see adults on the water.

How to Fish It

Fish the nymphs along the bottom and through productive current seams, particularly near banks and structure. Use emerger and cripple patterns when trout are feeding near the surface, and switch to adult patterns when you see Slate Drakes on the water. Spinner patterns are useful when spent adults are falling.

Baxter House Guide Tip

Don't overlook Isonychia nymphs just because you aren't seeing a strong hatch. These insects are active swimmers and can be available to trout well before the adults appear. Fish the nymphs in the right water and you can find fish feeding even when the surface looks quiet.

Details

• Selection: 20 flies

• Mayflies represented: Isonychia / Slate Drakes – including Isonychia bicolor and Isonychia sadleri

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

• Sizes: #10 and #12