The Bead Head McGinty

The Bead Head McGinty is a modern variation of the classic 1883 McGinty wet fly, reimagined with added weight and flash to suggest a drowned or tumbling bee. Its yellow-and-black banded body, red tail, and soft hackle echo the original pattern, while the bead head drives it deeper and adds a subtle jigging motion. This version excels in faster currents, pocket water, and summer streams where bees and wasps frequently end up in the drift. Trout and panfish respond well to its mix of contrast, movement, and realism, especially after windy afternoons or rainstorms.

Use a darker matte bead instead of a shiny gold or silver—subdued beads imitate the shadowed head of a waterlogged bee and often draw more confident eats from pressured fish.