Gray Drake

Overview:
The Gray Drake (Siphlonurus occidentalis in the west and Siphlonurus quebecensis in the east) is a large mayfly species found in cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers across North America. Although the western and eastern varieties look nearly identical in size and color, they can be distinguished by their regional differences. Known for its unique emergence pattern, the Gray Drake crawls onto shoreline rocks and vegetation before hatching, which is reminiscent of stonefly behavior. This mayfly is typically less abundant on the water until mating is complete and females return to lay eggs as spinners. The color difference between the dun and spinner is striking, with the spinner having a rusty brown, slimmer abdomen, while the dun is a more robust, grayish olive. Anglers should carry both colors in their fly boxes, as both the dun and spinner can provide great fishing opportunities. Common hook sizes for Gray Drake imitations typically range from 10 to 12.

Nymph:
The Gray Drake nymph is large, typically measuring about 1.25 inches in length. It has a pale olive or brown body with a segmented abdomen and a dark thorax. These nymphs are typically found in fast-moving waters, clinging to rocks and submerged vegetation. They are often seen crawling along the substrate, slowly making their way to the surface before emerging. Common hook sizes for Gray Drake nymph patterns are usually 10 to 12.

Dry/Dun/Spinner:
The adult Gray Drake, or dun, measures around 1 to 1.25 inches in length. It has a robust grayish-olive body with translucent wings, and is easily identifiable by its larger size compared to other mayflies. The Gray Drake dun emerges by crawling onto rocks and vegetation before hatching, which is a characteristic that distinguishes it from other species. The spinner is noticeably different, with a rusty brown color and a slimmer abdomen. The spinner lays eggs after mating, typically in late evening. Effective hook sizes for both the dun and spinner range from 10 to 12. Common fly patterns include traditional dry flies, parachutes, and comparaduns to imitate both the dun and spinner stages, which should be fished in the late afternoon or early evening during the hatch.