Hendrickson Spinner
The Hendrickson Spinner imitates spent female Hendricksons returning to the water after mating, triggering selective evening rises. Strong for searches like Hendrickson spinner fall pattern, spent mayfly spinner fly, and best spring spinner pattern for trout.
Imitates: Spent female Hendrickson mayfly
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #12-14
- Best Season
- Spring, late afternoon to evening
- Best Conditions
- Slow flats and pool tailouts after a Hendrickson hatch
- Water Temp
- 50-60°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X
How to Rig It
Single spent-wing dry; lengthen leader to 12 feet for spooky risers.
How to Present It
Dead-drift flush in the film — no twitches. Spinners are inert.
Why It Works
After Hendricksons hatch, the spinner fall is when the biggest fish feed. Spent profile = effortless meal.
History
The Red Quill Spinner was codified by Catskill tyers as the natural evening counterpart to the morning Hendrickson hatch.
Pro Tip
Trout sip spinners in the film — look for quiet dimples, not splashy rises. A small spent-wing in #14 outfishes anything dressier.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Hendrickson spinners fall?+
Usually 2-3 hours after the dun hatch, often in the last hour of daylight on calm spring evenings.
Not sure if Hendrickson Spinner is right today?
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