The Bighorn River is renowned for its prolific Pale Morning Dun Mayfly (PMD) hatches, which typically occur from late July to early August. During this time, anglers can witness a spectacular display of rising trout, eager to feast on these delectable insects. To maximize your success during this prime fishing period, it's essential to have the right flies in your box. Here are our top picks for PMD patterns:
1. Split Case PMD
This classic pattern imitates a PMD in its emergence stage, with a split case and a dark realistic body. The split case 'hot spot' triggers the fishes' attention and is our #1 top selling PMD nymph.
2. Thread Frenchie
A simple yet effective pattern, the Thread Frenchie is tied with a thread body and a touch of ice dubbing. Its thin profile and heavy tungsten bead drop it quickly down to the prime feeding lanes.
3. Jig Hot Spot Yellow
This buggy jig nymph gets down fast and is one of our most productive patterns for most of the Summer here on the Bighorn.
4. Hi-Vis CDC Spinner
Our top pick in all mayfly spinner patterns. The thin biot body with CDC wings is the perfect combination for spinner sipping trout. The hi Vis post can be seen from a long ways away, which is the biggest advantage of this pattern.
5. D&D Cripple
This pattern was christened on the technical waters of the Henry's Fork by renowned angler, Rene Harrop. It gets the job done when fish are selectively feeding on emerging PMD's.
6. Pete's 3 Mile PMD
Our newest PMD emerger. This pattern was developed over very picky PMD emerger feeding fish. It sits right in the film and fishes equally as well sunk just a bit below the surface.
By tying and fishing these patterns effectively, you'll be well-prepared to capitalize on the Bighorn River's famous PMD hatches.
