March Brown (Wet)
The wet fly version of the March Brown has been catching trout in early spring since the 18th century. Swung on a tight line through fast runs and riffles, it imitates the emerging dun struggling to the surface. The hare's ear body and mottled partridge wing create an irresistible combination of texture and movement. Fish it on 4X or 5X as a two-fly cast — the wet fly as the dropper and a dry fly on the point.
- Type
- wet fly (Mayfly)
- Hook sizes
- #10–14
- Target species
- trout
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Best seasons
- spring
Materials
- hook: Wet fly hook #10–14
- thread: Brown 8/0
- tail: Brown partridge fibers
- body: Hare's ear or brown dubbing
- ribbing: Yellow thread
- hackle: Brown hen hackle, 2 turns
Tying steps
- Mount a size 10–14 wet fly hook; start brown thread at the bend.
- Tie in brown speckled partridge fibers as a short tail.
- Tie in yellow thread ribbing at the bend.
- Dub a hare's ear body from bend to the 3/4 mark.
- Wind yellow thread ribbing in 4–5 spirals over the body.
- Tie in a soft brown hen hackle; make 2 loose sweeping turns.
- Fold two matched turkey wing quill sections tent-style over the body as the wing.
- Build a small head; whip finish and lacquer.