A classic wet fly that imitates the dark, clumsy alder fly (and drowned caddis) adults of late spring. The Alder’s subtle shimmer and mobile hackle create a lifelike, low-profile silhouette that draws confident takes in riffles, seams, and quiet lake margins.
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When it excels: Late spring into early summer during alder/caddis activity; breezy afternoons; riffle tails, seam lines, and stillwater edges
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Why it works: Dark, understated body and soft hackle pulse on the swing or lift, reading like a struggling adult just under the surface
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Pack size: 3 flies
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Targets: Trout (rainbow, brown, brook); bonus takes from stillwater cruisers
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Ready to fish: Durable wraps and clean proportions for natural, repeatable presentations
How to fish it
Cast down-and-across and let it swing slowly through the seam; add a gentle lift at the hang-down to trigger eats. In slick water, grease the leader to keep the fly just under the film, or retrieve with short figure-eight pulls on lakes near reeds and wind lanes. Pair above a small nymph 12–18" apart to cover multiple lanes.
Care
Rinse after use and air-dry before boxing to prevent hook corrosion.
Satisfaction
30-day returns/exchanges.