Close-up of a fishing fly with tan, white, and brown materials, mounted on a metal vise.

BWO Halfback Emerger

This simple pattern was developed by Mike Lawson, of Henry’s Fork Angler’s in Last Chance Idaho, to fish the prolific olive hatches on the Railroad Ranch section of that river. Since baetis mayflies are widespread, this fly this fly should be universally effective. As with all emergers, it is at its best during heavy hatches or on ultra-selective fish.

When tying, do not make the trailing shuck too thick. The pheasant tail fiber abdomen is reinforced with the rib to increase durability and only covers the rear 1/3 of the hook shank. The deer hair represents the emerging wings and should be tied so that it extends down the sides of the thora,x leaving only the bottom uncovered. Dub over the forward tie down spot of the deer hair to complete the thorax.

Hook : Dry fly; #14 – #20

Shuck : Brown zelon

Rib : Fine red copper wire

Abdomen : Pheasant tail fibers

Wings : Dun deer hair

Thorax : Olive dubbing

Fly tied by Alan Bowers