Leadwing Coachman
Hook: Ray Bergman Nyack N.Y. Gold Label #12, courtesy of
Catskill John Bonasera
Tail: Golden Pheasant Tippet, or brown hackle, or none
Body: Peacock herl
Hackle: Brown
Wings: Dark Slate
This fly and others like it with bulky peacock herl or chenille bodies may have worked well for many reasons. If one thinks of this fly in terms of caddis or beetles, it begins to make more sense. Perhaps these were never really intended to be representative of mayflies at all.
Catskill John Bonasera
Tail: Golden Pheasant Tippet, or brown hackle, or none
Body: Peacock herl
Hackle: Brown
Wings: Dark Slate
This fly and others like it with bulky peacock herl or chenille bodies may have worked well for many reasons. If one thinks of this fly in terms of caddis or beetles, it begins to make more sense. Perhaps these were never really intended to be representative of mayflies at all.