Maldo's Trico

Maldo’s Trico, created by Steve Maldonado, was born out of the need for an ultra-realistic and highly effective pattern during the dense Trico spinner falls in the rivers of Colorado, particularly Eleven Mile Canyon. This fly stands out for its minimalist yet precise design, featuring slender materials that allow it to ride perfectly in the surface film, mimicking the delicate Trico mayflies during spinner falls. Maldonado’s innovation was driven by his frustration with trout ignoring bulkier patterns, leading him to craft a fly that matched not just the appearance but the exact behavior of naturals as they drift lifelessly on the water. Its effectiveness has made it a go-to for targeting selective trout feeding during summer mornings.

Long Leader Stealth: Use an ultra-long leader, around 12-14 feet, combined with 6X or 7X tippet to achieve a drag-free drift. This setup reduces spooking wary trout in crystal-clear waters and enhances the fly's ability to stay in the surface film, replicating the buoyant but lifeless drift of natural spinners.