AN EGG LAYING MAYFLY IMITATION – WORK IN PROGRESS

STANTON HECTOR

I've been wanting to tie something like this for a few years after first observing the behaviour of mayflies on the Holsloot River during this time of year. Egg-laying females would hover low above the water surface dipping their abdomens under the meniscus while laying their eggs. Although it is impossible to imitate the dance of a hovering insect, elements or triggers of these egg-laying individuals can be incorporated into a fly. I purposefully designed the pattern to include ideas from other flies I like. The idea was to have a trigger like a "glowing" egg sack, while the curved abdomen is supposed to break the surface slightly resembling the act of egg-laying.

Stanton Hector photos

The incorporation of a soft-hackle collar was derived from Ed Herbst's emerger as it serves the same purpose in his fly. I think all the incorporated elements capture the vulnerability of these insects. My intension is to fish this pattern in the same way as Ed does his emerger with a swivel-type knot which does not allow restriction of movement. This is very much a work in progress and ideas would be appreciated.

Stanton Hector - Tom Sutcliffe photos

Stanton Hector is currently completing a PhD in plant biotechnology at Stellenbosch University. He is one of South Africa’s best young fly fishers and fly pattern developers.