Collection: Comparaduns | Sparkle Duns

Comparadun and Sparkle Dun fly patterns fall into the same category despite having subtle differences in appearance. The majority of mayfly patterns will always have a variation know as a Comparadun. A Comparadun fly is tied much different than your standard mayfly fly. To improve your chances, consider the no-hackle patterns. When it comes to adult mayflies and selective trout, the choice often is a Comparadun or Sparkle Dun in a lot of situations. Many fly fishers soon found out that these dry flies not only look deadly on the water, but trout seem to love them.

When it comes to the Sparkle Dun, this pattern is meant to represent the emerging stage of the mayfly. The typical split mayfly tail is substituted for a trailing shuck tied out of Antron or Sparkle Emerger Yarn. The comparadun fly and Sparkle dun fly alike, work best in spring creek environments where the water is slow moving and its surface is slick. These patterns do not float well in fast riffle water. Due to the wing structure, the same pattern often works for the dun and the spinner. The other benefits of the Comparadun fly patterns are that they float like cork (due to its Deer Hair wings), is relatively easy to tie --even in fairly small sizes-- and does not require feathers from $80 rooster necks. This makes this fly very affordable to fish with.

Comparadun and the Sparkle Dun fly can be tied to mimic most any mayfly out there, like a Trico or Pale Morning Dun, that give them a much more realistic profile in selective trout situations. These flies became an instant hit since one could easily vary the size, wing, tail and body color, to imitate most any mayfly dun or spinner. We have found these flies to be the difference in getting a rise or not on many spring creeks in the Eastern Sierras. This is a good option when you find fish refusing your offer with a standard parachute or adult mayfly. Having a good selection of these patterns in your fly box will always give you the edge in trying to match the hatch, which at times on a spring creek can make your day.