Nymphs
NymphsSizes 14–18by Gilbert Rowley

Mayday Mayfly

Rowley's attractor mayfly nymph — holographic body, hot orange rib, Simi Seal thorax.

Imitates: mayfly nymph, attractorfreestone, tailwater, pocket waterjig hook

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Tying Recipe

Mayday Mayfly

NymphsSize 14–18
1
hook
Umpqua XC400BL Jig
Umpqua
2
bead
Tungsten Slotted Bead 2.0mm Copper
GenericColor: gold
3
thread
Nano Silk 30D Black
Semperfli
4
tail
Coq de Leon Feathers
Whiting Farms
5
abdomen
Holographic Tinsel
HedronColor: brown
6
rib
Ultra Wire Hot Orange
UTC
7
coating
Solarez Bone Dry
Solarez
8
thorax
Simi Seal Dubbing
Arizona Fly FishingColor: brown

Tying Video

About This Pattern

A brown holographic-tinsel-bodied mayfly nymph with a hot orange wire rib and Simi Seal thorax. Inspired in part by the Rainbow Warrior underbody style.

On the Water

How to Fish It

Fl. orange rib is the trigger. Don't overdress the Simi Seal — a tight, compact thorax works best.

When to Use

Searching nymph. Attractor point-fly duty on unfamiliar water.

History & Lore

Gilbert Rowley started tying the Mayday Mayfly right out of college around 2010. The tinsel underbody on the abdomen was inspired by Lance Egan's Rainbow Warrior — this was before Lance and Gilbert had become friends, and Egan flies were already staples in Rowley's box. After some trial and error, he landed on a few variations that fished consistently well. The hot-orange wire rib serves as both segmentation and an attractor, and the Simi Seal dubbing adds a super-buggy element to the thorax. Fast to tie, reliable on the water — a searching-nymph go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size Mayday Mayfly should I use?

The Mayday Mayfly is most commonly tied in sizes 14–18. Searching nymph. Attractor point-fly duty on unfamiliar water.

What does a Mayday Mayfly imitate?

The Mayday Mayfly primarily imitates mayfly nymph, attractor. Fl. orange rib is the trigger. Don't overdress the Simi Seal — a tight, compact thorax works best.

How do you fish a Mayday Mayfly?

Fl. orange rib is the trigger. Don't overdress the Simi Seal — a tight, compact thorax works best.

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Pattern Details

Category
Nymphs
Sizes
14–18
Hook Styles
jig hook
Imitates
mayfly nymph, attractor
Water Types
freestone, tailwater, pocket water
Origin
Gilbert Rowley