In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Cade Moore with Fly Fish Food ties a tailwater nymph every angler should carry with them, the Baetis Max.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
For many trout anglers across the United States, tailwaters offer accessibility to fish year-round. If lucky, these dams will pump out cold water for trout below even on the hottest days of summer and keep fish happy and feeding. Mayflies are one species of insect that trout will readily feed on year-round on tailwater rivers, and the Baetis Max is a fantastic imitation to add to your fly box.
When it comes to skill level to tie, anyone behind the vise could have this mastered in a few attempts. The most difficult part of this pattern will be the dubbing loop, but using a CDC clamp lowers the probability of error. Flash rib on the body combined with the CDC collar produces fantastic results under the water and brings this fly to life. The Baetis Max is a great example of a guide pattern that employs few, deadly specific, materials to get the job done.
This pattern will serve well in a tandem nymph rig as an anchor fly in larger sizes or off a tag in smaller sizes. Regardless of time of year, this fly will produce. CDC has become a favorite for tyers and for good reason, the material moves and creates unparalleled profile. Tie a batch of Baetis Max nymphs and watch your productivity skyrocket on your local tailwater.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Fulling Mill 5125 Jig Force Short Barbless Hook – 20
- Hook (Alternate): Umpqua XC210BL-BN Perdi-Jig Hook – 20
- Bead: Tactical Tungsten Drop Bead – Silver – 3.0mm
- Bead (Alternate): Insta Jig Tungsten Head – 7/64″ (2.8mm) – Nickel
- Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread – 8/0 – Olive Dun
- Thread (Alternate): Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread – 8/0 – Medium Olive
- Collar: Fulling Mill CDC Feathers – 1G – Natural Grey
- Collar (Alternate): Fulling Mill CDC Feathers – 1G – Light Dun
- Dubbing: Ice Dub – Olive Brown
- Dubbing (Alternate): Hends Spectra Dubbing – Olive
- Rib: Perdigones Pearl Body – Dark Brown (PBF-233)
- RIb (Alternate): UNI Mylar Double-Sided Tinsel – Peacock/Orange – Size 16 (1/64″)
Now you know how to tie the Baetis Max!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.
