Best Spruce Moth Fly Patterns
MAngler Moth
Invented by Ron Beck, this is far and away our best performing Spruce Moth. Check out our tying video below and see how to tie this killer fly! You might want to take the time to tie some- if the Spruce Moths are on heavily, there’s a line of missoula fly fishing guides at Ron’s tying desk to get these top performers.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: 1XS Dry Fly Hook Size 10-12
- Thread: Tan 136D Uni Thread
- Body: Mixed natural, Tan, Gold and Brown Deer Body Hair, spun and clipped to shape
- Head/Wing: Bleached Deer Body Hair, Head trimmed to shape
X Caddis
This classic design will bring fish to the surface during the Spruce Moth hatch. The Antron tail provides a sparkle that’s unavailable with other material;s, and it looks alive to the fish. This is also a fairly easy fly to sink, if you don’t use floatant, so when the fish are reluctant to come to the surface, tihs fly will go to them.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: Standard Dry Fly Size 12-16
- Thread: Tan 6/0 Uni Thread
- Tail: Tan Antron
- Body: Hare’s Ear Dubbing
- Hackle/Optional: Brown
- Wing: Elk Body Hair
Spruce Almighty
The CDC body and wing bring a realism to this fly. The Elk Body wing helps keep it afloat, but it’s a low floater, and sometimes that’s exactly what the trout want. Make sure to use the proper floatant- Dry Magic or Loon Lochsa- on the CDC, or the feathers will mat down and the fly won’t be effective.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: Standard Dry Fly 12-14
- Thread: Pale Yellow 6/0
- Body: Mixed Tan and White CDC Fibers, dubbed without wax
- Wingcase: White CDC Feather
- Rear Wing: Elk Body Hair
- Front Wing; White CDC, loop dubbed and cut flat top and bottom
- Eyes: Melted Mono
