Umpqua Anato-May Mayfly Nymph Fly

Overview

The Anato-May is a mayfly nymph from Ken Morrish, inspired by his early tying days with Andre Puyans, creator of the AP nymph. On most nymphs the legs come out at the head, but on the Anato-May they come out where the abdomen meets the thorax, just like a real mayfly nymph.

That small change gives it a more realistic profile. Morrish calls it the modern Pheasant Tail. It has a simple, generic shape and a size range that covers most mayflies, which makes it a reliable everyday nymph on almost any trout stream.

Euro Specs

• Role: Dropper or middle fly in a two-fly rig.

How to Fish It

• Indicator nymphing: fish it as the dropper below a heavier fly.
• Tight-line: on a Euro rig, run it as the upper fly above a heavier anchor.
• Dry-dropper: hang it under a buoyant dry in riffles and shallow runs.
• Before a hatch: mayfly nymphs get active before emerging, so it is a great choice just before a hatch.

Choosing Color and Size

Hare's Ear is Morrish's best seller and a natural mottled tan that matches many mayfly nymphs. Sizes 14 and 16 are the heart of that range and cover most mayflies.