
Dry · #13 of 129
Pale Morning Dun
Also known as: PMD
Imitates: Ephemerella mayfly adult
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #16-18
- Best Season
- Late spring through midsummer
- Best Conditions
- Midday hatches on cool summer days, 55-65°F
- Water Temp
- 55-65°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X
How to Rig It
Single dry, often with a small Pheasant Tail dropper 18" below.
How to Present It
Dead-drift through the riffle's tail and into flats where fish hold for spinners.
Why It Works
The PMD is the dominant Western mayfly hatch from June through August — when it's on, it's on, and trout eat little else.
History
PMDs are several Ephemerella species. The pattern is essentially a pale-bodied parachute or comparadun.
Pro Tip
Watch for spinner falls in the morning — a PMD spinner pattern in the same size will out-fish the dun by 3-to-1 during the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of day do PMDs hatch?+
Late morning through early afternoon, with spinner falls in the morning the next day.
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