Callibaetis

Overview

The Callibaetis, commonly called the Speckled Wing Mayfly, is a key mayfly (order Ephemeroptera) for stillwater anglers, especially on lakes and ponds. Recognized by its delicate, speckled wings and slender body, it emerges through summer, often on calm, sunny days, with frequent hatches and long activity windows that make it a favorite for surface-feeding trout.

Nymph

Nymphs run 1/4 to 1/2 inch, slender, olive to brown with a lighter abdomen. They're agile swimmers, most active in shallow water — a slow retrieve or hand-twist near vegetation imitates their darting motion well. Hook sizes: 14 to 18.

Dry/Dun/Spinner

Adults run 1/4 to 1/2 inch, with light olive or grayish bodies and speckled, semi-transparent wings. Duns show a dark wing background overlaid with white veins; female spinners carry clear wings marked with dark blotches along the leading edge. Emergence peaks late morning to early afternoon, favoring calm water and gentle presentations, with evening spinner falls also worth fishing. Hook sizes: 14 to 18.

Curated by the IdentaFly fly fishing team.