Klinkhammer
Imitates: Emerging mayfly or caddis hanging in the surface film
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #12-18
- Best Season
- Spring through Fall during emergences
- Best Conditions
- Flat water, slow seams, technical risers, dry-dropper rigs
- Water Temp
- 50-65°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X
How to Rig It
Single dry on a long leader, or as the dry in a dry-dropper rig with a tiny nymph 18-24" below.
How to Present It
Drag-free drift over rising fish. The body hangs below the film like a stuck emerger while the parachute post keeps it visible and the hackle holds it upright.
Why It Works
The curved hook positions the body below the surface — exactly where trout target emerging insects most aggressively. The white parachute post is angler visibility, not fish visibility, so it never spooks selective fish.
History
Designed by Dutch fly tier Hans van Klinken in the 1980s for European grayling. Now a worldwide standard for any mayfly or caddis emergence on flat water.
Pro Tip
When trout are sipping but refusing your standard dries, switch to a Klinkhammer one size smaller than what's hatching. The hanging body fools the most stubborn risers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Klinkhammer imitate?+
An emerging mayfly or caddis stuck in the surface film — the most vulnerable stage of the hatch when trout key on easy meals.
How is a Klinkhammer different from a parachute Adams?+
The Klinkhammer's body curves down below the water on a curved hook, imitating a half-emerged insect. A Parachute Adams sits flat on top of the water like a fully emerged dun.
What size Klinkhammer should I fish?+
Match the natural — #14-16 for most mayflies, #18 for BWOs and small caddis, #12 for larger drakes.
Can I fish a Klinkhammer as a dry-dropper?+
Yes — the parachute post and hackle support a small nymph 18-24 inches below it. The Klinkhammer becomes both the indicator and a fishable emerger.
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