BWO Snowshoe Comparadun Dry Fly

Comparadun patterns were first created by Al Caucci, and introduced in his book Comparahatch in 1972. to imitate recently hatched Mayflies before they take off.  The BWO version is a natural mayfly dun that has hatched from its nymph form and is resting on the waters surface before taking flight.  This makes it a great pattern for anglers, as fish tend to key in on them as they sit there at a more vulnerable stage. 

We tie this pattern the way we do with the hair fibers on the rear side over the body so we can keep a slimmer body profile.  This is a technique I learned from Charlie Craven.  The wing is made up of hair, most typically deer or elk hair that is made to stand up in a half circle "V"  to help them float on the surface of the water.  Traditionally tied with a dubbed body we prefer the natural ribbing of a biot body, with a lighter dubbing for the thorax that gives a good transition.

The BWO Comparadun is used when BWOs are hatching, and trout are feeding on them sitting on the surface of the water.  It is an effective pattern to use targeting rising fish on your favorite rivers and streams during a BWO hatch. 

Fly Tying Video Tutorial

Materials List

• Hook: Moonlit Premium Togatta ML102 sz14-20
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Olive Dun
• Tail: Hends Iron Blue Microfibetts
• Body: Magpie Premium Wild Barred Turkey Biot Olive Dun
• Wing: Hareline Snowshoe Rabbit Dark Dun