Tying and Fishing the BWO No-See-Um Variant: A Guide’s Choice Pattern

While on the water the best patterns to carry in your arsenal are often patterns that combine simplicity with versatility.  The BWO No-See-Um Variant fits this bill perfectly. This pattern, a fun and quick take on Phil Bair of Utah's original No-See-Um, is a must-have for any angler's fly box. With minimal materials, a fast tying process, and durable construction, this variant has become a Guide’s Choice pattern for a reason. The beauty of this pattern comes from its effectiveness, and adaptability.  By simply changing the thread color, tail, and hackle you can tie this fly to cover multiple different hatches, whether needing to imitate PMDs, BWOs, Midges, or even larger Green Drakes this Variant is just the ticket and powerhouse you want in your box.

Why the No-See-Um Works

The No-See-Um is a dry fly designed to sit delicately on the water’s surface, providing a lifelike imitation of small insects. The original No-See-Um was created to be a minimalist pattern with the idea that less is more when it comes to fooling fish in clear water or during a hatch.

The BWO (Blue-Winged Olive) variant maintains the same ethos, focuses on simplicity and delivering results. The way the fly sits lower in the water column it naturally mimics Mayflies and Midges that trout are so eager to feed on. When the hatch is thick, and fish are sipping selectively, having a fly like the BWO No-See-Um that matches the natural insects both in appearance and movement can make all the difference in your success on the water.

Minimal Materials, Maximum Impact

One of the biggest draws for this pattern is just how quickly you can tie it. With just a few materials, you'll have a fly that's not only effective but also durable enough to stand up to fish after fish.

This simplicity makes the BWO No-See-Um not only fast to tie but perfect for the guide on the go or the angler looking to stock up before a big trip. When you're standing in front of a vice the night before your adventure, the last thing you want is a complicated pattern. The No-See-Um gets you on the water faster—and keeps you there.

BWO No-See-Um Variant Fly Tying Tutorial:

BWO No-See-Um Materials List:

• Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz14-20
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Pale Olive
• Tail: Semperfli Tailing Fibbets Iron Blue Dun
• Body: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Pale Olive
• Rib: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Pale Olive marked with Black Alcohol Marker
• Wing: Dry Fly Rooster Saddle Hackle Golden Badger (Dun, Grizzly great alternatives) over sized 1 to two sizes dependent on preference

Versatility for Every Hatch

The magic of this pattern comes in its adaptability. Simply switch out your colors and sizes, you can use the No-See-Um to imitate a wide variety of insects. For the BWO hatch, olive thread with a Honey Badger or Light Dun hackle is your go-to. However, you can adjust it for other hatches:

• PMDs (Pale Morning Duns): Light yellow Dark Barred Ginger hackle
• Tricos: Black thread with Grizzly or Dark Dun hackle
• Midges: Black or red thread with Grizzly hackle

This ability to mimic both Mayflies and Midges makes the No-See-Um an invaluable addition to your fly box, especially during those tricky transition periods when multiple hatches overlap, and fish become selective.

Fishing the BWO No-See-Um

When it comes to fishing this pattern, presentation is key. The No-See-Um’s lightweight and minimal materials allow it to land softly on the water, making it perfect for fishing slow-moving pools, tailouts, or calm eddies where trout are sipping on the surface.

During a BWO hatch, fish will often rise gently, taking insects just as they break through the surface film. Cast upstream, aiming to let your fly drift naturally into the feeding lane. If you notice fish refusing more complex patterns, switch to the No-See-Um to present something more subtle.

Additionally, this pattern can be an excellent choice for stillwater fishing when targeting trout feeding on Midges. The slender profile and delicate hackle create a perfect imitation for chironomids and other small midges hovering just above the water's surface.

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Every Fly Box

The BWO No-See-Um Variant is more than just a great fly—it's a symbol of what makes fly tying and fly fishing so exciting. It embodies the simplicity, adaptability, and effectiveness that every angler strives for. Whether you're chasing rising trout during a Mayfly hatch or coaxing picky fish during a midge emergence, this pattern is sure to deliver.

So, next time you’re at the tying bench, take a few minutes to whip up a batch of BWO No-See-Ums. You’ll be ready for whatever hatch Mother Nature throws your way, and you’ll do it with a fly that’s fun to tie, fast to produce, and tough enough to last fish after fish. Get out there, and let the adventure begin!