Golden Drake

Overview:
The Golden Drake (Anthopotamus distinctus), also known as the Cream Dun, is a distinctive mayfly found in the cool waters of eastern North America. This species is notable for its pale cream to yellowish body, which contrasts with its dark wing veins, making it an easily identifiable insect. The Golden Drake is one of the larger species of the Ephemerellidae family, and its emergence typically occurs in late spring to early summer. Though it does not hatch in as large numbers as some other species, where it is present, it is a significant food source for trout. Common hook sizes for imitating the Golden Drake range from 8 to 12.

Nymph:
The Golden Drake nymph is relatively large, measuring about 1 inch in length. It has a light brown or olive body, with a cream-colored thorax and two prominent tails. These nymphs are commonly found in fast-moving streams, clinging to rocks and submerged vegetation. They crawl along the substrate prior to emerging into their adult form. The nymphs' pale appearance and robust build make them distinguishable among other mayfly nymphs. Common hook sizes for Golden Drake nymph patterns range from 8 to 12.

Dry/Dun/Spinner:
The adult Golden Drake, or dun, measures approximately 1 inch in length. It has a pale cream to yellowish body, with distinct dark veins in its translucent wings. One of its distinguishing features is its large size, which makes it an easy target for hungry trout during its hatch. The Golden Drake typically emerges in the late afternoon or early evening, often in moderate to large hatches. Dry fly patterns for the Golden Drake should generally range from hook sizes 8 to 12. Effective fly patterns include traditional dry flies, parachutes, and comparaduns that match its size and coloration. These flies should be fished during the hatch, as well as later in the evening when the mayflies begin to lay eggs.