Like all mayflies, the BWO has four life stages which anglers can imitate with their fly patterns: nymph, emerger, dun, and spinner (including spent spinner). Each stage offers an array of possible patterns, and while some prove more effective, it ultimately depends on …

It can be a bright bobber tied a foot or two above the fly or a dry fly. If using a dry fly, be sure to tie on a BWO to use. It’ll show whether or not the fish are more interesting in the dries rather than the nymphs or emergers. Anglers can also tie a small split shot a few inches above the fly if they don’t want to use an indicator.

Jul 23, 2019 · I started on an order of 324 flies that included several small BWO/Baetis fly imitations in sizes 16, 18, and 20. The fly order includes several of my favorite BWO imitations. I have more confidence fishing an emerger or cripple fly pattern than a standard dun, like a parachute pattern.

Dec 3, 2019 · When considering the classical dry fly patterns that define fly fishing as we know it, the Blue Wing Olive is about as iconic as they come. Also referred to as the BWO, this fly is built to imitate the Baetis mayfly, a small mayfly known for its olive body and dun (or grey) wings.

Feb 9, 2025 · The Blue Wing Olive (BWO) is a member of the Baetis family, a common insect found in our beloved Missouri River. This small insect plays a big role in the food chain, serving as an important calorie source for brown and rainbow trout. Let’s explore the entomology, life cycle, and patterns for fishing the Blue Wing Olive hatch. Timing and ...

Mar 25, 2021 · Following are a few of my favorites—plus advice on when and how to fish them—to give you a template for fishing a blue-winged olive hatch. Blue-winged olives are smaller insects and so smaller nymph patterns are the best imitations. In order for a nymph imitation to be effective, it needs to get to the bottom.

As we arrive at that point in the year, we put together a collection of our favorite BWO nymphs, emergers and dries. We have listed each in one size only, but most come in 3-5 size options. Refine By Category

Mar 22, 2016 · An instructional fly tying video demonstrating how to tie one of the simplest yet most effective Blue Winged Olive (BWO) fly patterns ever.

Oct 21, 2015 · When you’re confronted with a blizzard hatch, where your fly is one small speck among hundreds or thousands of natural insects, a cripple pattern is a great way to induce trout to take your fake. This dressing is in the “Quigley” style and represents a …

Sep 21, 2016 · In this great video by Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, author and blogger Matt Grobert teaches you how to tie a very elegant, buggy BWO pattern that uses just two materials: dubbing and CDC. Matt demonstrates the best way to choose CDC feathers for wrapping, and his thread-management techniques are also illuminating.