The Shillinglaw Emerger

Dave Anderson

Rochester, Minnesota

Hook: TMC 100 (#18-20)/TMC 101 (#22)

Thread: Uni-Thread rusty dun (8/0)

Tail: Wood duck flank fibers

Abdomen: Gray-olive or gray

Rib: Pearlescent Krystal Flash (one strand)

Wing: Dun colored antron yarn

Thorax: Brown Australian possum

Tying Instructions: This is an easy tie.  Tie in the wood duck, tie in the krystal flash and dub the abdomen. Wrap in krystal flash (4-5 turns), and tie in antron wing.  Dub in possum and whip finish.  Trim wing accordingly.

Fishing Notes: This pattern is from a great local book from Ross Mueller entitled Fly Fishing Midwestern Spring Creeks: anger’s guide to trouting the driftless area.  It’s a superb emerger during the baetis period.  It’s a very successful fly in southeast Minnesota in March just prior to heavy emergence of BWO’s. 

However, I have tinkered with it in several sizes and colors and have found it successful for Light Hendricksons and tricos.  I have also tied it on a TMC2487 hook in #18-20 with success as well.