flylab

Every fly fisher should have a box of boatman patterns. In the spring, just after ice-off these little bugs come to life and the trout love to gobble them up. And, in the fall they can be deadly during the 'fall'.

There are many species (Corixidae) of boatman and they are prevalent throughout North America.

A few things you will want to pay attention to when tying boatman flies:

Size: 1/8" - 1/2" (if you are unsure just bring an aquarium net and grab a few samples form the water)

They generally have an elongated and oval body with a flat belly.

Besides the body one of the most distinguishing features are their elongated hind legs.

Give this pattern a try:

Hook: #10 nymph hook
Thread: Black
Body: Dubbed tan/olive
Legs: Silicone legs 
Back: Raffia paper 
Tail tag: Holographic tinsel

Start by tying in the holographic tinsel near the tail and cover the back half of the hook with the tinsel. Then cut a small strip of raffia (just long enough for the back) and tie it in near the rear of the hook – leaving a small bit of the tinsel showing at the tail. Then making a dubbing noodle and dub to about half way from the eye. Figure eight in your legs, ensuring they are either horizontal or pointed angled slightly toward the front of the hook. Finish dubbing to 3/4 of the way from the eye. Pull the raffia over the dubbing and the legs to form a back. Tie it in and then trip the raffia, and form a nice clean head. Finally, use dark green / brown markers to draw a slight mottled look to the back. Coat the shell with head cement and drop a dab on the head of the fly to finish it off.

One successful technique I find is to fish this fly with an intermediate sinking line. Let the fly sink and then use short 3-4" retrieves. Pause and let it sink for a moment and give it another 3" jerk. Try pulling these over the drop offs into the shallows - just over top of the weeds. 

Tight lines,

Mike Klein