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flyfysher
WD-40 fly pattern
Olive thread body · View the pattern reference ↗

FlyFysher

Emerger / Pattern notes

WD-40

A thread abdomen and tiny dubbed thorax suggest small mayfly or midge emergers.

At the vise
Beginner friendly
Common sizes
#16–24
From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 illustrated steps

Work through the numbered steps in order. Use the written materials and proportions as your guide; select an image for a closer look.

  1. WD-40, step 1: Tail

    Tail

    Tie a small mallard-fiber bunch at the bend with short tips extending rearward. Retain the long butts.

  2. WD-40, step 2: Abdomen

    Abdomen

    Hold the butts out of the way and build a slim thread abdomen to the front third.

  3. WD-40, step 3: Thorax and case

    Thorax and case

    Dub a small thorax. Pull the retained mallard fibers forward over it and secure behind the eye.

  4. WD-40, step 4: Finish

    Finish

    Trim excess fibers, form a small head, and whip finish. Apply a little cement to the thread.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Fish just below the surface during emergence, or as a small subsurface dropper.

Tied by independent makers

Find your WD-40.

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Have this pattern tied for your water.

No versions are listed yet. Choose a tyer and ask about your sizes, colors and materials. The tyer must confirm availability and send an offer.

One fly, several listings

Names and colors in the source index

Flys and Guides ↗ uses these labels for this fly. The recipe above describes the stated version; change materials where a colorway calls for it.

  • Bead Head “Serendipity Style” WD40 – Olive
  • WD40 – Olive
  • Beadhead WD40 – Black
  • WD40 – Brown
  • WD40 – Gray

Recipe references

Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.

Portrait reference

Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.

WD40 - Olive ↗

For the same fly box.

Beadhead Emerger fly patternBeadhead EmergerEmerger · #16Caddis Emerger fly patternCaddis EmergerEmerger · #14Chuck’s Emerger fly patternChuck’s EmergerEmerger · #18–20