Purple Haze Spinner: Unlock the Magic of the Spinning Stage

When it comes to dry fly fishing, few patterns have captured the hearts of anglers across the Western United States like the Purple Haze Dry Fly. Its distinctive purple body and high-floating profile make it a staple in fly boxes, especially when fish seem finicky or unpredictable. But there’s one variation of this fly that’s not only effective during a hatch but essential: the Purple Haze Spinner.

What Makes the Purple Haze Spinner So Special?

Unlike its dry fly counterpart, which serves as an all-around attractor pattern, the Purple Haze Spinner is specifically designed for a critical moment in the life of a mayfly— the spinning stage. During this stage, mayflies fall spent, their wings flat and motionless on the water surface after mating. This is the perfect moment for trout to gorge on these easy meals, and having a spinner pattern in your fly box can make the difference between a slow day and a banner one.

Just like the classic Adams has long been an essential mayfly imitator, the Purple Haze Spinner fills a similar niche, combining effectiveness with a unique color twist that makes it irresistible. Its sleek body, low profile, and accurate mimicry of a mayfly spinner make it an absolute must-have when the fish are rising during a spinner fall.

Purple Haze Spinner Fly Tying Tutorial:

Purple Haze Spinner Materials List:

• Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz12-20
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Purple
• Tail: Semperfli Tailing Fibbets Claret
• Body: Magpie Premium Wild Barred Turkey Biot Purple
• Wing: HAWGFISH Hawg Wing Uinta
• Thorax: Moonlit Beaver Dubbing Purple

What Is the Spinning Stage?

The spinning stage, also known as the spinner fall, is the final phase in the lifecycle of a mayfly. After emerging from the nymph stage and transforming into a dun (or subimago), mayflies typically rest on the water’s surface to dry their wings before flying off to the vegetation along the riverbanks. Once they reach sexual maturity, these insects return to the water to mate.

After mating, female mayflies lay their eggs in the water, and both males and females soon die. As they drop to the water's surface, their wings spread out, giving them the characteristic flat-wing appearance. This spent form is known as a spinner. It’s during this stage that mayflies are most vulnerable—no longer able to escape predators, they simply drift along the current, making them easy targets for hungry trout.

This is why the spinner fall is such a prime opportunity for anglers. Trout will key in on the abundance of easy meals floating downstream, and with the right presentation, you can entice even the most selective fish to take your fly.

Why Fishing the Spinning Stage Is So Effective

The spinning stage is when the mayfly is most abundant and easily available to fish, making it a critical moment for anglers to capitalize on. Trout, especially those in heavily pressured waters, may have seen dozens of nymphs, emergers, and duns pass by earlier in the hatch, but they become laser-focused on spinners when the time is right. These spent mayflies offer a motionless, helpless meal—a much easier target than an actively swimming or hatching insect.

What makes this stage even more effective is that trout tend to feed with abandon during a spinner fall. The sheer number of insects on the water can trigger a feeding frenzy, with fish making quick, aggressive rises. This gives you a window to not only match the hatch in terms of size and profile but also to pick a pattern like the Purple Haze Spinner, which adds a flash of color that stands out amidst the chaos. That vibrant purple body can be just enough to grab the attention of trout, especially in low light or heavily fished areas.

Why the Purple Haze Spinner Should Be in Your Box

The Purple Haze Spinner combines all the best elements of a classic mayfly spinner pattern with a modern twist. Its purple body adds a bit of flair, while its profile remains spot-on for imitating a spent mayfly. Whether you’re fishing the prolific hatches of the West or testing it on waters abroad, this fly has proven its worth in spinner falls across a variety of conditions.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Imitates Mayfly Spinners: The low-floating profile and flat wings perfectly mimic a spent mayfly, making it a convincing choice when fish are keyed in on the spinner stage.
• Visible in Low Light: The purple body makes it easier to track on the water during evening or early morning spinner falls.

How to Fish the Purple Haze Spinner

To maximize your success during a spinner fall, here are a few tips:

1. Observe the Hatch: Pay close attention to the insects around you. Spinner falls often occur in the late evening or early morning, when light conditions are lower. Match the size of the mayflies you see with your Purple Haze Spinner.
2. Focus on Gentle Rises: Trout feeding on spinners typically make slower, sipping rises rather than aggressive slashes. Look for subtle, steady rise forms to identify where fish are keyed in on spent insects.
3. Use a Dead Drift: Presentation is key. The spinner pattern should float naturally with the current, so ensure you use a drag-free drift. Short, controlled casts can help avoid drag and keep your fly floating naturally.
4. Be Patient: Spinner falls can last just a few minutes or stretch out over an hour. Stay observant and ready, as trout may feed sporadically until the spinner fall is over.

Conclusion: The Magic of the Purple Haze Spinner

The next time you find yourself in the middle of a mayfly hatch, be sure to have a Purple Haze Spinner ready. When those trout start rising softly and the spinners are dropping to the water, this pattern will give you the edge. Its vibrant color, realistic profile, and proven effectiveness make it a perfect choice to fish during one of the most critical feeding windows for trout.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, the adventure of fly fishing a spinner fall with the Purple Haze Spinner is sure to get your heart racing. So get out there, match the hatch, and experience the thrill of landing that trophy trout when the water’s alive with spinners!