Haystack
The Haystack is the deer-hair predecessor to the Comparadun, a low-riding hackleless dry fly for selective trout feeding on mayfly duns. It targets searches like Haystack fly pattern, Comparadun predecessor, hackleless dry fly, and best flat-water mayfly pattern.
Imitates: Mayfly duns, especially on smooth water
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #14-20
- Best Season
- Spring through fall
- Best Conditions
- Spring creeks, tailwaters, calm pools, and technical feeding lanes
- Water Temp
- 45-65°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X
How to Rig It
Single dry on a long leader when trout are refusing hackled flies.
How to Present It
Dead-drift with reach casts and slack-line presentations; drag ruins the flat silhouette.
Why It Works
The flared deer hair wing supports the fly without hackle, letting the abdomen sit flush like a natural dun.
History
Fran Betters developed the Haystack before the modern Comparadun style became widely adopted.
Pro Tip
Use it when trout are eating mayflies in slick water but ignoring Parachute Adams or Catskill-style dries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Haystack the same as a Comparadun?+
It is closely related and older; both are hackleless deer-hair dry flies designed to ride flush in the film.
Not sure if Haystack is right today?
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