Hendrickson
The Hendrickson is an essential trout fly that imitates adult ephemerella subvaria mayfly (hendrickson). It supports Hendrickson fly pattern, dry fly for trout, and how to fish Hendrickson searches.
Imitates: Adult Ephemerella subvaria mayfly (Hendrickson)
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #12-14
- Best Season
- Spring
- Best Conditions
- Eastern freestone and tailwater rivers in April-May, afternoon hatches
- Water Temp
- 48-60°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 4X-5X
How to Rig It
Single dry on a 9 ft 4X leader. Often the first major dry fly of the season.
How to Present It
Dead-drift through feeding lanes. Trout are aggressive after the long winter and often rise hard to Hendricksons.
Why It Works
Hendricksons are the iconic Eastern spring mayfly. They emerge in steady afternoon hatches when water hits 50°F — the signal that dry-fly season has finally returned.
History
The Catskills, Pennsylvania limestoners, and New England freestones all built their dry-fly traditions around the Hendrickson hatch. Art Flick documented it in 'Streamside Guide' in 1947.
Pro Tip
Watch the air for clouds of male spinners returning in the evening. The spinner fall often outfishes the daytime emergence — and a rusty spinner pattern is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Hendrickson hatch?+
Mid-April through mid-May on Eastern rivers. Peak emergence happens when water temps hit 50-55°F in mid-afternoon.
What does a Hendrickson look like?+
Pinkish-tan body, dark dun wings, three tails, size 12-14. Males are smaller and darker than females.
Not sure if Hendrickson is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
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