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Brown Drake Mayfly Hatch
Ephemera simulans


The Brown Drake hatch is an absolutely terrific mayfly hatch for fly fisherman when you catch it right. Brown drakes are the first of thelarge burrowing nymphs to hatch in June and trout love these large morsels! The hatches can be very dense, but unfortunately do not last for many days.

The scientific name for the Brown Drake mayflies is Ephemera simulans. These mayflies live as nymphs in burrows in the sand and silt bottoms in the slower stretches of the trout streams. In June, at around dusk the nymphs emerge from their burrows and begin to wiggle towards the surface. Once at the surface they emerge slowly and ride the water for some time before being able to fly away to the trees and shrubs nearby. During this time they are extremely vunerable to feeding trout.

Sizes range from #10 to #8 and my favorite pattern is an extended body comparadun. It is advisable to carry nymphs, emergers, duns and spinner patterns.. Although, I find the nymphs patterns are not as effective as emergers and dun patterns. Since this hatch generally occurs near dusk, it is often combined with the brown drake spinners coming back on the water to lay their eggs and die. Close observation can help you determine whether trout are sipping in the spinners rather than the brown drake emergers or duns. Be aware on cloudy days the hatch may occur in late afternoon or early evening.

See photos below:

sulphur habitat

big brown trout

My favorite Brown Drake Emerger pattern
Brown Drake Emerger

Brown drake comparadun

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