Master The Art of North Country Spiders with the Olive and Starling Soft Hackle

Alright, fly fishers and tiers, let's talk about a pattern that's as deadly as it is steeped in history: the North Country Spider. But we're not just dusting off some relic from a museum. We're injecting it with a shot of modern ingenuity. Today, we're diving deep into the Olive and Starling soft hackle – a Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) emerger pattern that'll have trout eating out of your hand.

The Whispers of History: North Country Spiders

North Country Spiders (NCS), also known as soft hackles, aren't just flies; they're echoes of angling traditions stretching back centuries. Some historical evidence suggests that the earliest NCS patterns were imported to England by the Romans, later adapted by monks and stonemasons [1]. The first detailed descriptions emerged in the early 18th century, but it was T.E. Pritt's "Yorkshire Trout Flies" in 1885 that catapulted these patterns to international fame [3][6]. Pritt's genius? He understood that impression trumps imitation. He advocated for flies that moved naturally, capturing the essence of emerging insects rather than striving for perfect mimicry. "Life over likeness" became the mantra.

Fast forward to today, and the spirit of the NCS lives on. The revitalization of Glass rods with their soft action and feel is perfectly married in history and performance, helping your fly dance in the water, and creating an unmatched connection with the fish.  Throw perfect loops with our Modern S2 Glass rods, paired with our performance-focused fly lines, and our deep history-rooted furled leaders, and experience the perfect modern reincarnation of the traditional loop rods used for NCS fishing.

The Olive and Starling: A Modern Twist on a Classic

The Olive and Starling takes this time-honored tradition and cranks it up a notch. The secret weapon? A thread-marking technique, first seen by Clark Pierce of Fly Fish Food [16], that creates a realistic ribbing effect. Instead of adding separate ribbing materials, you simply mark your thread with an alcohol marker and wrap. The result? A seamless, tapered body that screams realism.

Starling hackle feathers are a long-time favorite for soft hackles [15][18]. Their iridescent sheen and small size make them perfect for tying smaller soft hackles. The iridescent black coloration with metallic green sheens and natural tannish tips create subtle color variations when viewed from different angles underwater. This natural color variation helps trigger recognition responses in feeding fish, as the changing light patterns simulate the natural movements and color shifts of emerging insects.

This isn't just about aesthetics. This technique creates a fly that moves more naturally in the water, mimicking the subtle undulations of a real emerger. It's about fooling those wary trout into thinking they've found an easy meal.

Unleash the Versatility: Fishing the Olive and Starling

The Olive and Starling isn't a one-trick pony. This fly is a BWO emerger pattern that's deadly effective in several ways:

Swinging Solo: Cast across or slightly downstream and let the current do the work. The pulsating starling hackle imitates a struggling emerger, triggering aggressive strikes.

Trailing Behind a Dry: Tie it 18-24 inches behind your favorite BWO dry fly. The soft hackle represents the emergers that haven't yet reached the surface while the dry fly suggests successfully emerged adults. This is killer during sporadic hatches when fish are opportunistically feeding. Many experienced guides report that trailer setups account for 60-70% of their BWO hatch success.

Nymphing Rig: Tie this off your anchor nymph so that it rides freely in the column just above your weighted nymph.  Experience the thrill as the fly ascends towards the surface like an emerging insect.

This versatility makes the Olive and Starling a must-have for any serious angler.

Ready to tie your own? Watch our Tutorial below and grab everything you need:

Materials List:

• Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz14-20
• Thread/Body: Semperfli Classix Waxed Medium Olive 18/0 (size 18 and 20) 12/0 (size 14 and 16)
• Rib: Tag end of thread marked with alcohol marker
• Dubbing: Moonlit Beaver Dubbing Olive substituted for SRF dubbing
• Hackle: Starling

Want to skip the hassle of gathering materials? Grab your Olive and Starling North Country Spider Fly Tying Kit HERE with everything you need in one simple click.

BWO Hatch Chart: Know Your Bugs

BWOs are widespread, but their hatch times vary by region. Here's a general guide:

• Western US: Spring (March-April), Summer (weather-dependent), Fall (September-November), Winter (tailwaters)
• Eastern US: Spring, extended into Fall
• Canada: Varies by region, similar to US patterns
• UK: March-October

Knowing when and where BWOs hatch is crucial for success.

Why BWOs Matter: The Angler's Secret Weapon

BWOs are a staple for a reason. They're widespread, hatch in various conditions, and offer multiple feeding opportunities. In fact, 89% of retailers reported surges in fishing-related purchases in 2021, followed by more selective purchasing patterns in subsequent years. BWOs align perfectly with these evolving preferences because their effectiveness reduces the need for extensive fly inventories while their year-round utility maximizes the value of each pattern purchased. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, having a solid BWO selection is essential.

Conclusion: Master the Olive and Starling, Master the Trout

The Olive and Starling North Country Spider isn't just a fly; it's a gateway to a richer, more rewarding fly fishing experience. By blending tradition with innovation, this pattern offers unparalleled versatility and effectiveness. As fly fishing continues to evolve, patterns like the Olive and Starling will lead the charge.

Ready to take your fly fishing to the next level? Tie up some Olive and Starling soft hackles, hit the water, and prepare to be amazed. Don't forget to share your success stories in the comments below!