Description
The Riffle Robber is an innovative mayfly emerger pattern created by Ken Burkholder, a seasoned fly tier with over 30 years of experience. It was born on the Owyhee River in Southeastern Oregon during a prolific PMD hatch when Burkholder noticed mayflies emerging with intact, tubular exuviae still attached. Struck by how this natural form differed from the typical loose-fiber shucks used in most emerger patterns, he designed a fly that mimicked the tubular shuck more accurately. The next day, fishing it during the same hatch, trout responded with explosive takes—moving up to two feet to intercept the fly. This pattern went on to pass the “acid test” at storied waters like Silver Creek and the Railroad Ranch on the Henry’s Fork, proving its effectiveness among some of the most selective trout in the country.
Pro Tip
The Riffle Robber is a transitional fly. As a result, when mayfly nymphs (PMDs) are struggling to emerge on the surface tension and duns are appearing is the absolute prime situation when this fly shines.
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Recipe
Hook: Standard dry fly hook, sizes 16–20 Thread: Light brown or color to match body Tail/Shuck: Tubular antron or Zelon to mimic exuviae Body: PMD dubbing or thread body Thorax: Slightly darker dubbing to create contrast Wing: Sparse CDC or comparadun-style deer hair (optional, depending on variant) Hackle: Sparse dry fly hackle or none, depending on water type
Video
From: High Country Fly Fishers