Little Yellow Quill

Overview: The Little Yellow Quill (Leucrocuta hebe) is a small, delicate mayfly species found in cool, fast-moving streams, particularly in spring and early summer. While not as widely known as larger mayfly species, the Little Yellow Quill is an important hatch for trout, particularly in smaller streams where it thrives. These mayflies are characterized by their pale yellowish bodies and light-colored wings. Their hatches tend to occur in moderate to large numbers, providing an essential food source for fish. Common hook sizes for imitating the Little Yellow Quill range from 16 to 18, though smaller sizes may be preferred for more accurate representation.

Nymph Stage: The Little Yellow Quill nymph is small, typically measuring about 0.5 to 0.75 inches in length. It has a slender, pale yellow to olive body with a segmented, streamlined appearance. These nymphs are typically found in riffles and shallow sections of small, fast-flowing streams, where they cling to rocks and submerged vegetation. They feed on detritus and small invertebrates before emerging as adults. Fly patterns for Little Yellow Quill nymphs, tied on hooks sized 16 to 18, effectively mimic the nymph’s small size and delicate body. Dead-drift presentations are most effective in enticing strikes from fish feeding on these nymphs.

Dry/Dun/Spinner Stage: The adult Little Yellow Quill, or dun, measures approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches in length. Its body is pale yellow to light tan, with delicate, translucent wings that give it a soft, almost ghostly appearance. The hatch of the Little Yellow Quill usually occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, providing a late-day feeding opportunity for trout. Dry fly patterns tied on hooks sized 16 to 18 replicate the size and coloration of the adult. Given its small size and subtle emergence, the Little Yellow Quill often requires a delicate presentation to entice fish into striking.