Fly Tying

How To Tie: Radiation Baetis | Travis Hanson Variant

In this week’s episode of Tying Tuesday, join Travis Hanson as he ties up another one of his variants he affectionately calls Beavis & Baetis! This pattern is gorgeous, flashy, and super buggy…we can not wait to fish it!

Tips & Tricks to Fishing Baetis:

Baetis, commonly known as Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), are small mayflies that are an essential part of a trout’s diet, particularly in rivers and streams. Fly fishing with Baetis patterns can be highly effective, especially during the spring and fall when these insects are most active. Here are some popular Baetis fly patterns and tips for using them:

Popular Baetis Patterns

  1. Baetis Nymphs:
    • Pheasant Tail Nymph: A versatile and effective pattern that imitates many mayfly nymphs, including Baetis.
    • WD-40: A simple, effective pattern that works well in various sizes and colors.
    • RS2: A great emerger pattern that can be fished subsurface or in the film.
  2. Baetis Emergers:
    • Barr’s Emerger: A renowned pattern designed by John Barr that effectively imitates an emerging Baetis.
    • Sparkle Dun: An emerger pattern that uses CDC or Antron to imitate the trailing shuck.
    • Klinkhamer Special: A versatile pattern that works well for emerging Baetis.
  3. Baetis Dry Flies:
    • Parachute Adams: A classic dry fly that imitates many mayflies, including Baetis, when tied in smaller sizes.
    • Blue-Winged Olive: A specific dry fly pattern that imitates the adult Baetis mayfly.
    • CDC Comparadun: Uses CDC for buoyancy and a natural appearance, making it an excellent choice for picky trout.
  4. Baetis Spinners:
    • Rusty Spinner: Represents the spent form of many mayflies, including Baetis, and is especially effective during spinner falls.

Tips for Fishing Baetis Patterns

  1. Match the Hatch: Pay close attention to the size, color, and stage of the Baetis mayflies in the water you are fishing. Adjust your fly selection accordingly.
  2. Fish the Emerger Stage: Trout often key in on Baetis emergers just below the surface. Use patterns like the RS2 or Barr’s Emerger to imitate this stage.
  3. Light Tippet: Use light tippet (5x to 7x) to ensure a natural presentation and avoid spooking wary fish.
  4. Dead Drift: Present your flies with a dead drift to imitate the natural drift of Baetis mayflies. Use techniques like high sticking or reach casts to achieve this.
  5. Multiple Stages: Carry flies that imitate different stages of the Baetis life cycle (nymphs, emergers, adults, spinners) to cover various feeding behaviors of trout.
  6. Overcast Days: Baetis hatches often occur during overcast or rainy days. These can be some of the best times to fish Baetis patterns.
  7. Small Flies: Baetis are typically small mayflies (sizes 16-24). Ensure you have a selection of smaller flies in your box.

Recommended Gear

  • Rod: A 4 to 5-weight rod is ideal for delicate presentations and handling small flies.
  • Line: A floating line for dry flies and emergers; consider a nymphing line or weight-forward line for better control with nymph patterns.
  • Leader and Tippet: Use a long, fine leader (9-12 feet) with a 5x to 7x tippet to achieve a delicate presentation.

Fishing Baetis patterns can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you match the hatch and present your flies naturally. These small mayflies often bring trout to the surface, offering exciting dry fly action.

Please Note: Part of this content was created using AI tools, reviewed, and edited by our team to ensure accuracy.

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