Burkus' Western Green Drake Spinner

The Burkus' Western Green Drake Spinner, designed by Ken Burkholder, is a specialized pattern created to imitate the spent phase of the iconic Western Green Drake mayfly. Burkholder designed this fly with an emphasis on realism, incorporating a slim, lifeless body and outstretched wings to replicate the silhouette of a spinner resting on the surface after completing its life cycle. Recognizing how trout key in on the vulnerability of these spent adults, particularly in the calm water of pools and eddies, Burkholder's design prioritizes subtlety and precision, making it an essential fly for late-evening and post-hatch fishing during Green Drake events.

Surface Dimple Detection: Watch for subtle dimples on the water rather than splashy rises. These indicate trout feeding specifically on spent spinners. Match your cast to the rise ring, and use a slightly longer tippet to reduce drag for a more natural presentation.