The ORVIS Madison Fly is a classic dry fly pattern designed to imitate small mayflies, particularly those found in Eastern and Midwestern trout streams. It’s a versatile pattern that works well during hatches of Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), Hendricksons, and other mayfly species.
Key Features of the ORVIS Madison Fly:
– Hook: Typically tied on a dry fly hook (size 12–18).
– Body: Light olive or gray dubbing for a natural mayfly profile.
– Wings: Light gray or dun CDC (Cul de Canard) or poly yarn for buoyancy.
– Hackle: Grizzly or dun hackle for flotation and movement.
– Tail: Microfibbets or stiff hackle fibers for stability.
When & How to Fish It:
– Best used during mayfly hatches, especially in slower-moving water.
– Fish it as a dry fly with a dead-drift presentation.
– Pairs well with a dropper nymph (e.g., Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear) in a dry-dropper setup.
Why It’s Effective:
– The slim profile and natural color make it a great general mayfly imitation.
– The CDC or poly wings provide excellent floatation without needing excessive floatant.
– A proven pattern in Madison River (Montana) and similar waters.
If you’re fishing Eastern or Western trout streams during a mayfly hatch, the ORVIS Madison Fly is a reliable choice. Would you like recommendations for similar patterns or variations?
The Orvis Madison Fly is a classic wet fly pattern traditionally used for trout fishing. While Orvis has produced many fly patterns over the years, the “Madison Fly” isn’t one of their most widely recognized or current offerings. However, it may refer to a regional or historical pattern tied with Orvis materials.
Possible Characteristics of the Madison Fly:
1. Type: Likely a wet fly or soft hackle, designed to imitate emerging insects or drowned terrestrials.
2. Typical Materials (if tied in Orvis style):
– Hook: Standard wet fly hook (e.g., size 12–16).
– Body: Peacock herl, dubbed fur (e.g., muskrat, hare’s ear), or silk thread.
– Hackle: Partridge or hen feather for a subtle pulse in the water.
– Wing (optional): Wood duck flank or mallard (if a winged wet fly).
3. Purpose: Effective in rivers and streams, particularly during mayfly or caddis hatches, or as a searching pattern.
Similar Orvis Classics:
If you’re looking for comparable Orvis wet flies, consider:
– Orvis Partridge and Orange (a timeless soft hackle).
– Orvis Peacock and Partridge.
– Orvis Leadwing Coachman (winged wet fly).
If You’re Looking to Buy/Tie:
– Check Orvis’s current fly collections or contact their customer service to confirm if the “Madison Fly” is still available.
– For DIY: Use traditional wet fly techniques with natural materials for an authentic touch.
Let me know if you’d like tying instructions or more details on similar patterns!
The Orvis Madison Fly is a classic wet fly pattern designed for trout fishing, particularly effective in the Madison River region of Montana. Here’s what you need to know about it:
Origin & Purpose
– Developed by Orvis in collaboration with expert anglers for the Madison River, known for its prolific hatches and strong trout populations.
– Designed as a wet fly (subsurface imitation) to mimic drowned mayflies, caddis, or other aquatic insects.
– Works well in fast, riffled water where trout are opportunistic feeders.
Fly Pattern Details
– Hook: Wet fly hook (size 10–16).
– Thread: Black or brown.
– Tail: Pheasant tail fibers or brown hackle fibers.
– Body: Peacock herl (sometimes ribbed with fine wire for durability).
– Hackle: Soft hen or partridge hackle for lifelike movement.
– Wing (optional): Wood duck flank or mallard flank feathers (traditional wet fly style).
When & How to Fish It
– Best Conditions: Early season (spring/summer), during or after hatches when trout are feeding below the surface.
– Techniques:
– Swinging: Cast across current and let the fly swing downstream (classic wet fly method).
– Dead-drift: Fish it like a nymph with a slight twitch to imitate emerging insects.
– Dropper Fly: Pair it with a dry fly (e.g., Madison River Hopper) as part of a two-fly rig.
– Retrieve: Slow strips or let the current do the work.
Why It’s Effective
– The peacock herl body creates an attractive, buggy silhouette.
– The soft hackle pulsates in the water, triggering strikes.
– Versatile—can imitate mayflies, caddis, or even small stoneflies.
Similar Patterns
– Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail (similar profile, more minimalist).
– Partridge & Orange/Peacock (classic wet flies with comparable action).
If you’re fishing the Madison River or other freestone streams, the Orvis Madison Fly is a reliable choice for subsurface trout. Pair it with a floating line and a 9-foot leader for best results.
Would you like recommendations for other Madison River flies?