Welcome to Fly Tying Tuesday

A proven pattern that imitates the Callibaetis mayfly nymph, a major food source for trout in lakes and stillwaters across the West.

Welcome back to Fly Tying Tuesday! This week, we’re tying Bubba’s Callibaetis, a versatile stillwater mayfly nymph pattern designed to imitate the Callibaetis species. This fly is particularly effective in lakes and ponds where Callibaetis hatches are common.

Its mottled appearance and natural movement in the water make it a go-to pattern for targeting selective trout. The combination of natural materials and subtle segmentation gives it a realistic profile that triggers aggressive takes from cruising fish. Whether you’re fishing from a float tube, shoreline, or drift boat, Bubba’s Callibaetis is a must-have in your stillwater box. 

Let’s Tie, see Kyle in action in the video!

Materials Used: (all available at AvidMax)

• Hook: Tiemco TMC 2302 – Size 14
• Thread: Semperfli Nano Silk – Black, 18/0
• Tail: Wapsi Barred Mallard Flank – Dyed Wood Duck
• Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire – Gold, Small
• Wing Case: Hareline Natural Ozark Oak Mottled Turkey Quills
• Back/Body: Hareline Fino Skin – Mottled Tan
• Thorax: Wapsi Ostrich Herl – Tan
• Finish: Solarez Thin Hard

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions:

Start your thread on a TMC 2302 hook and lay a smooth thread base.

Tie in the tail with fibers from Barred Mallard Flank to imitate natural movement.

Add the ribbing using Gold Ultra Wire for subtle segmentation and durability.

Form the body with Mottled Tan Fino Skin for that perfect Callibaetis tone.

Create the thorax using Tan Ostrich Herl for lifelike texture and motion.

Finish with a Turkey Quill wing case and a coat of Solarez Thin Hard for shine and durability.

How to Fish It

• Bubba’s Callibaetis is best fished in stillwater environments such as lakes and ponds.
• Use a floating or intermediate line with a long leader and slow retrieve to mimic the natural movement of a Callibaetis nymph. It can also be fished under an indicator with a slow twitching motion.
• Target weed beds, drop-offs, and shallow flats where trout cruise for emerging insects. During active hatches, fish it just below the surface film.
• For added effectiveness, pair it with a dry fly or use it as a dropper in a two-fly rig. This pattern excels from late spring through fall when Callibaetis are most active. 

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Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:

• Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
• Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
• Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
• Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
• Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit